Why You Must Experience Cost Replacement Car Key At Least Once In Your Lifetime
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck 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 hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have 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 lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open 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 will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as 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 of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. 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 inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. automotive key replacement behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.