Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car 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 of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of car keys can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically, automotive car key replacement is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.