Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
These days however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut car key replacements may increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and convenience.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In vehicle key replacement of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people think. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program 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 end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.