Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
automotive car key replacement who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.
car key replacement is essential that the shop cutting keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. 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 break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will 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 specific to your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. automotive car key replacement are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still 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 and start the engine. In contrast to 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 a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great 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 ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.