Ten Cost Replacement Car Key Myths You Shouldn't Post On Twitter
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. car key replacement or car dealer could sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. 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.
The key blades have slits on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. automotive car key replacement is also a good idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.