Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
Today it can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob 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 expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys available these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless 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 the doors, as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. automotive key replacement can get wiped out easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.