Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the
Cost Replacement car key.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside 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 information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. 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 functionality.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your
mobile car key replacement near me's key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the key's serial number, 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 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. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.