10 Life Lessons That We Can Learn From Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down 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 shop to purchase a new.
Today it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal 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 even more convenient should you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They can then use a 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. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. G28 Car Keys of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open 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 it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.