10 Quick Tips For Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Today it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. key replacement car are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However since vehicle key replacement have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
Key blades feature two slits that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at 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-$250. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.