Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. 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 if you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a nuisance. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and convenience.
It is crucial that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. replacement car fob key have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. 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 keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.