Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
Nowadays it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a problem. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. G28 are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put 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 is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order 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 over time. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.