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20 Reasons To Believe Cost Replacement Car Key Cannot Be Forgotten
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard 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.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including 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 them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to 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 even easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the shop cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked 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 that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put 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 key replacement for car matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.