Why Do So Many People Want To Know About Cost Replacement Car Key?
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
These days however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing auto car key replacement can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have 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 needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some think. They can get wiped out easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as 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 can 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 done only by a locksmith who is certified.