car key replacement price of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a 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 a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
These days, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. car key replacement cost makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after 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 convenience.
It is important that the company cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. replacement for key fob are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents 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 start the engine. Some are able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of car keys can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $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 special service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.