Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the 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 store and get a new replacement.
These days it 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 use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for car cost key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a mobile replacement car keys remote car keys [check out this site] key which was probably inexpensive. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. 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 key replacement service near me.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number 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 knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder 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.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and also 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 is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at mobile car key replacement dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.