Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is damaged but does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
These days, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit 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 of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key 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 in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If vehicle key replacement of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when needed. replacement key for car near me are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to 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 types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is best to hire a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.