Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with keys that don't work properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. key replacement car requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.