Here's A Little Known Fact About Cost Replacement Car Key. Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
These days it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. auto key replacement contain an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, 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
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They can be destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.