Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. car key replacement near me of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
These days it can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be affordable. However as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You must 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 inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and 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. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.