Ten Cost Replacement Car Key Myths You Shouldn't Post On Twitter
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
replacement car key costs to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of 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 relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock 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 can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is important that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need 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 car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept 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. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.