Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.
1. how to get a car key replaced have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In how much is car key replacement , you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average person could do. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. If not, 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 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 key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. They are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot 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. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of 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 can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities 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 locksmith who is certified.