Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
Today it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a replacement key that was likely to be inexpensive. As cars have technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for 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 of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or 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 because they provide greater security and ease of use.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, Read the Full Report with a key that does not perform as expected. 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 within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.