What Do You Know About Cost Replacement Car Key?
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
These days it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut car key replacements are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be 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 vehicles without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then 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
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. They are more affordable 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 could range from $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.