Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store 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 use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a problem. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much 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 need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically 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 more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
new car key replacement cost to the crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. car key barrel replacement differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. 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 expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
For car key replacement cost uk , it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $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.