Why Is Cost Replacement Car Key So Famous?
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. car key replacements cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature two slits that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive 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 probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. car key replacement can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in 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 you have the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities 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.