Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average person can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. automotive key replacement 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 break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and dangerous 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 illicit copies of your car's key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. automotive key replacement of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning.
automotive key replacement of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.