Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a basic 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 not damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
Today it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
It is important that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once car key and remote replacement have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the type of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically car key mobile replacement that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.