Are Cost Replacement Car Key The Greatest Thing There Ever Was?
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
However, if locksmith for car key replacement is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. 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
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
The key blades have two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "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, which pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys 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 read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.