The Next Big New Cost Replacement Car Key Industry
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. Whether car key replacements slip out of your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Today however, it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively affordable. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that 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 added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. vehicle key replacement isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your 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. This makes them harder for car thieves.
The key blades have two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys 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. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.