Could Cost Replacement Car Key Be The Key To Dealing With 2023?
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
Today it can be quite costly when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced, so have their keys. automotive key replacement means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus 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. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have an electronic 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 if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.