Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but doesn't require programming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Today however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or 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 of losing them.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut auto key replacement using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.