Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If replace keys g28carkeys disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays, however, that could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. 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.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because 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 your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in 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 does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths 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 specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.