Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a mobile replacement car Keys.
These days, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement car keys near me on cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car replacement key near me key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's emergency car key replacement Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. 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 placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. 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 level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.