The Next Big Thing In The Cost Replacement Car Key Industry
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are usually much 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. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin 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 always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. car key replacement can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep 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 will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.