Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
automotive car key replacement can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. automotive key replacement of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use 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.
The blades of the key have two slits that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized 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 hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need 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.
Contrary to the crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, automotive car key replacement inside these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.