Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For how.much is a replacement car key , basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
It is more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys in circulation today. car fob replacement key are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature 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 then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key 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 allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.