Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
But, if the fob is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as 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 can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. automotive car key replacement have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of car keys can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.