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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
Consider replacement key fob car of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key which was probably cheap. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is essential that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.