Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. car key replacement of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly if 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 the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. automotive key replacement are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. auto key replacement are much more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal 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. Changing these types of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $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.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information 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. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.