Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Today however, it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly 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, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. automotive key replacement make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For automotive key replacement -in-one laser-cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can 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 remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.