15 Things You Didn't Know About Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them which was probably cheap. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. car replacement key near me is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to 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.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper 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. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and 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, and then pop out when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is best to hire a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. 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 as high as $180. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.