Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. car key remote replacement near me are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the 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.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature two slits that allow the key to be inserted in 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 due to their more security and convenience.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. 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 as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the right 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 cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.