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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more costly 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 experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra 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 also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It's a good idea 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 things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly when 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 cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. auto key replacement are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to have all of the information for your vehicle 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 can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.