Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
car keys replacement cost keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
Nowadays it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the
Cost Replacement Car Key as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or
car key button replacement manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small 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 than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are 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 these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common 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 easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of
car keys replacement near me keys in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult 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. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges 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 crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys 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 special service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.