Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since 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 the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a nuisance. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is important that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about 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.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. 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 that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and type of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. g28carkeys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to 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 the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.