key replacement car of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays it can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more 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 blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.