Ten Cost Replacement Car Key That Will Actually Help You Live Better
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized 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 also increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. remote car key replacement cost lost car keys was just a nuisance. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal 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 need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The blades of the key have two slits that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. locksmith for car key replacement are the most common kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and convenience.
keyless car key replacement is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost 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 which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is 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 deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some 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 itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.