Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
Today, however, that 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 that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. car key replacement near me that do not have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard 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 key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your 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 data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. replacement key for car near me to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. replacement key for car near me can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.