Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new
replacement car keys near me.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of
Replacement car Keys and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. However as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs have 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 of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It's best to always 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 easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature two slits that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys available these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. They are less expensive 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 likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it.