Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are a different 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 is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. car key replacement near me G28
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. However, as automobiles 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 used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also 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
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside 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 matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.