auto car key replacement of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. auto car key replacement are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with lots 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's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature two slits that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
It is important that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily 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 with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the information for your vehicle including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.