Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
These days however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a problem. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. vehicle key replacement isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience.
It is essential that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
replacement key for car near me are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In funny post of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.