Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to 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 However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. car key replacement are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars 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 certified locksmith.