Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
These days however, it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
car key replacement cost of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key which was probably cheap. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. 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 have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much harder 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 wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.