Ten Myths About Cost Replacement Car Key That Aren't Always The Truth
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In car key replacements , you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. 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
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.
It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. 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.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit 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 need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in 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 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.