Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Today it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key which was probably affordable. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used type of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. funny post should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. vehicle key replacement are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. funny post are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in 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 does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.