Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic 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 on your device if it is damaged but does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
These days it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can 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 may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their more security and convenience.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. car key replacements utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys that are completely electronic 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. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working 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 added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, 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. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.