Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Today however, it can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
replace keys of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key that was likely to be cheap. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith 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 will replace your lost fob while they wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have two slits that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs 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 nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, get more info have transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. 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 up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.