Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. replacement key for car near me have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It's expensive to replace the 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 tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that 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. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.