7 Secrets About Cost Replacement Car Key That Nobody Will Tell You
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse 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, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with 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 alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare 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
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys need to 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, and also turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. auto key replacement can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.