More Signup bonuses of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
Today it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob 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 like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. 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
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. As cars have technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities 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 certified locksmith.