Here's An Interesting Fact Regarding Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key which was probably affordable. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
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 some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
Key blades feature two slits which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack 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 of your specific vehicle. vehicle key replacement will then make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150-$250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.