Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a nuisance. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits 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. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. key replacement car behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.