Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
Fobs that have 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 connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. car fob replacement key have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $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 done only by a locksmith who is certified.