Are Cost Replacement Car Key The Best Thing There Ever Was?
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 find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In click here! , you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. As cars have technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
It is important that the company cutting keys has the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.