Ten Cost Replacement Car Key Myths That Don't Always Hold
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
replacement key for car near me to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. 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 if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to 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-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more 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 for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops 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 keys are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only available in car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.