The History Of Cost Replacement Car Key

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the fob is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

These days, however, that could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past lost car keys was just a nuisance. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular during the  90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.

It is more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do.  automotive car key replacement  is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.

If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealers. However, they are much 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 can range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and 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 must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of car keys can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.