Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, 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 only damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
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. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining 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 cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a nuisance. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As auto key replacement have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but 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 easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
For you could look here , it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.