This Story Behind Cost Replacement Car Key Is One That Will Haunt You Forever!
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the couch 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 get a replacement.
Today however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a problem. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical 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 also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once auto replacement key have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $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, that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.