The Hidden Secrets Of Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used type of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard 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. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, automotive key replacement G28 Car Keys UK feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.