Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. 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 does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
Nowadays 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 make use of remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is 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.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
replacement keys have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also 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 even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.