Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it’s crucial to know the different costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn’t require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they’re always a little bit hard to find. 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 costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They’re also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, 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 has a transponder, you’ll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs became popular during the ’90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. 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 security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the ’90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it’s ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car key battery replacement near me keys available these days. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you’ll end with a key that doesn’t perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost replacement keys car car key fob replacement near me key (historydb.date) of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs 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, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. 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 the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver’s pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle’s computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car’s hot wire and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car key fob replacement thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren’t as durable as people think. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new car key replacement transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.