Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
The key blades have slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need 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 car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. www.g28carkeys.co.uk have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.