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 copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special 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 can increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. key replacements is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that 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 cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely 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 types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.