Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to 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 an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They’re also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you’re using will also impact the cost and cost replacement car key some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, since they’re mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponders, you’ll require special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key replacements key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that’s molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or Cost Replacement Car Key technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person could do. This is why it’s recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
It is important that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you’ll end with a key that doesn’t work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as 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 this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you’ll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with what’s referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost replacement car key – moved here – more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car’s computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren’t as durable as many would like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car’s information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.