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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from 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 pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
These days however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in 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.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can 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 vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. Read the Full Report are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
key replacement car of the key have two slits that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't work properly if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
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 require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.