The Secret Secrets Of Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but doesn't require programming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment 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 keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As cars have technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to 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 this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an 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 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
vehicle key replacement of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car dealerships.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.