Ten Cost Replacement Car Key Myths That Aren't Always The Truth
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them which was probably inexpensive. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up 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 is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. car key replacements G28 Car Keys are different from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.