Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The kind of key you're using 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 inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut car key fob replacement are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system 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 will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
you can try these out can be more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.