Could Cost Replacement Car Key Be The Key To 2023's Resolving?
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. 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 are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since 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 to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively affordable. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. car keys replacements makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
It is crucial that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll end 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 damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are more affordable 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 need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to 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 a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.