Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car keys car key, as these are typically heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that 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 vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have two slits that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
It is essential that the company cutting keys has the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars 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 functions.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, smart car key replacements near me 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 can result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at car keys replacement near me dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.