Ten Cost Replacement Car Keys That Really Change Your Life
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a Replacement car keys.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement key for car, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them which was probably inexpensive. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car 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 include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used type of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key car replacement according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out 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. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. 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 special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.