Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the device is damaged but does not require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically 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 own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless 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 as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. keys replacement for cars are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on 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 more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.