Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. 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 include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected 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 even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. vehicle key replacement require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.