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 store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
These days, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. simply click the next website contain an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have two slits that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
It is crucial that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't function properly when 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 even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key 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 specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.