Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
These days it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have 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.
vehicle key replacement 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 fee. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work 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 a 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 with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed 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 cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits 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 if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.