Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a basic new car key replacement key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob isn’t damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition when you’re driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They’re also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost car keys replacement cost uk or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you’re using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they’re mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it’ll require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap car key replacement near me (utahsyardsale.com) to do so. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car 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 are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It’s the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It’s more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren’t tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person could do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common type of car keys available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
If you’re considering having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it’s important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you’ll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable 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 need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what’s referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car’s keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver’s pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car’s computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this how.much is a replacement car key to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car’s hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys aren’t as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.