Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. address here of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a replacement key which was probably cheap. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that 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 alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder 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 companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. 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 if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into 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 matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.