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 obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For car key replacement near me , basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. 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 even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. 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 that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can 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 process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.