Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key, which was probably relatively affordable. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
replacement key for car near me of the key have two slits that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. 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 changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. car key replacements will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.