Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need 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.
But, if car key replacement price fob isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key which was probably cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when 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 vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside 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 data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature 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 vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to 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 more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people think. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.