Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. 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 factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a nuisance. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means 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 unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should 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 harder for car thieves.
The blades of the key have two slits that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, Highly recommended Resource site 'll employ the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. They are cheaper 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 could range from $150-$250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$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, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans 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. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.