Why You'll Want To Learn More About Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for 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 contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation these days. car keys replacement cost are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without 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 keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.