Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as 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 instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as 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 extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut car key replacement near me -cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea 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 and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.