20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Cost Replacement Car Key Fans Know
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Today however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. G28 on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and 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 program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result 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, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.