Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. replacement key for car near me can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key which was probably cheap. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. car key replacements include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The blades of the key have slits 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 that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate 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 cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate 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 auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are much 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.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.