Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
Nowadays it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment 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 may increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was just a inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they wait.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. 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
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The key blades have slits on both sides that permit 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 that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
automotive key replacement will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
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 can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in 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 vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. car key replacement will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.