10 Quick Tips For Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
replacement keys car should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other 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. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system 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 traditional key with no fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and 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 key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.
It is important that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.