Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a nuisance. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have a 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 vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
replacement key for car near me G28 can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
It is important that the company cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $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 special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.