20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Cost Replacement Car Key Fans Are Aware Of
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. key replacements can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and ease of use.
It is important that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$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 which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They 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 electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. key replacements car is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.