Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should consider getting 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 include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively affordable. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have two slits which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
Suggested Website are typically only available through dealers. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Suggested Website are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.