Ten Cost Replacement Car Key-Related Stumbling Blocks You Should Not Share On Twitter
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs that are involved. automotive key replacement can get a copy of a car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
Key blades feature two slits that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as 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 long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.