Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then 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 be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them which was probably affordable. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. auto car key replacement means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blades 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 popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific car. They will then use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If Read Homepage is, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.