Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In car key replacement near me , key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. 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 things even simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have 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. They will then make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can 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 are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.