car key replacement price of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can get a copy of a car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost 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. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder 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 in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is important that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are costly 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 in that they feature an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle'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 can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.