Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total cost of
cheapest replacement car keys, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your
car replacement key cost keys was a problem. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.
It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50.