Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each 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 as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them which was probably affordable. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
It is important that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. g28carkeys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.