Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out 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
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also 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 your car's key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of car keys can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If replacement car key costs does, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.