15 Things You've Never Known About Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Nowadays it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
auto car key replacement are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it 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 does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.