3 Ways That The Cost Replacement Car Key Can Affect Your Life

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and Car Key Cover Replacement does not need programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

Today, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for a car key cover replacement (Main Page), as they are thicker. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. However as automobiles 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 were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

Fobs with transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.

It is important that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are usually only available from dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

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 could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car key replacements dealerships.

It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, Car key cover Replacement which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.