Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent 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 own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
If replacement car key costs of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. click the following internet page have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.