Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store 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 miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
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 a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise 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 a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise 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 pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. automotive car key replacement must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
auto car key replacement with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more 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 always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.