Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a 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 key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually 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're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. auto key replacement will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
It is essential that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. Read Homepage can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.