The Reasons You Should Experience Cost Replacement Car Key At Least Once In Your Lifetime
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the couch 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 purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
car key replacement for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key that 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 since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.