Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
These days however, it can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. replacement for key fob are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm 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 exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The key blades have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are that are in circulation in the present. replacement for key fob are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in 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 serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.