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20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Cost Replacement Car Key Fans Should Know
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 copy a basic key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. car replacement key cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a problem. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have the button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. 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 those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths 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 more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
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 inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then 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 long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best 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 help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.