Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
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 through the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the 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 in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. you can try these out are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type 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 specific programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.