15 Things You Dont Know About Cost Replacement Car Key

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. auto car key replacement can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
Nowadays however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average person could do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades 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 these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are generally only available through 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 need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. 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 are able to 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 come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.