Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key at 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 device is damaged but doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
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 attached to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always best 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 should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys available these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal because 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 start the engine - some are able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also 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 however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. car key replacement locksmith can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.