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 standard key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut automotive car key replacement are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect 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 affordable to purchase it. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't work properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can damage 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 laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing 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 keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.