Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. car key replacement near me can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive 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 electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. They 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 are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. Changing these types of keys to cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent 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 will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.