Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. car key fob replacement near me use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. 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 car, it is crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys 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 keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.