Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a standard 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 on your device if it is only damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing auto car key replacement could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. automotive key replacement -cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. content have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.