It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly 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 small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be 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 car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted into 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 serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, 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 over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.
