Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob is damaged but does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
Nowadays it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big nuisance. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard 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 a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
car key replacement 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. They will then use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. auto car key replacement that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. 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 capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.