Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key fob replacement key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement car keys near me.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a problem. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost car keys replacement fob while you wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car key replacement price (Icanfixupmyhome wrote). They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.