Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Today it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. 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 the loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement Car keys costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement car key fob key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big nuisance. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure cheap car key replacement keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys replacements keys are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your cheap car key replacement's key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car keys replacements will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these 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 a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. 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 help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.