Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
These days, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have two slits that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
g28carkeys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere 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 that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.