Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. If remote car key replacement near me disappear from your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost 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 key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key which was probably cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key 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 However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, car key case replacement in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.