Why Cost Replacement Car Key Is A Must At The Very Least Once In Your Lifetime
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. how to get a car key replaced loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always 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 need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could lead to the key not 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 procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.