Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays it can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
car key and remote replacement is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
car key remote control replacement require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. car key remote control replacement is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.