This Story Behind Cost Replacement Car Key Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Your Life!
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like 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 other. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As cars have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when hit 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 open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. In contrast to 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 a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
G28CarKeys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.
