Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Today however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not 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 chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the company cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't work properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
car key remote replacement near me that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.