The Unspoken Secrets Of Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can duplicate 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 fob is not damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
Nowadays it can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves.
The key blades have slits on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, key replacement for car cost are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.