7 Secrets About Cost Replacement Car Key That No One 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 find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
Today however, it can be quite costly when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key that was likely to be affordable. As cars have advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because 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 laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available 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 that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
Theoretically key replacement car that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.