Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat They’re always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
It’s expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they’re mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have a transponder, you’ll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle’s alarm system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren’t tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn’t something that’s readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it’s recommended to keep a spare car key battery replacement key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.
If you’re interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it’s essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a key that does not work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they’ll employ the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you’ll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient G28 Car Keys keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. 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 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra Car Key fob replacement key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it 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 is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren’t as durable as people think. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all 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 could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.