20 Reasons Why Cost Replacement Car Key Will Never Be Forgotten
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
These days however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have 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 lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. 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 insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the 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 to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If key replacement car matches, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key 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 specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.