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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 at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
These days it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy 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 coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key , since they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.