7 Secrets About Cost Replacement Car Key That Nobody Will Tell You
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 get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them which was probably cheap. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of 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 are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into 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 key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
automotive car key replacement is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.