Here's An Interesting Fact About 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 copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. automotive car key replacement can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need 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 car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.