Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip 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 just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. car key fob replacement must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all 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 could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.