3 Ways In Which The Cost Replacement Car Key Will Influence Your Life
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 copy a standard key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa 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 go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them which was probably cheap. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in 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, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. 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 insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides which allow keys 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 popular than key fobs due to their more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut cost of car key replacement -cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.