mobile car key replacement near me of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need programming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common 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 policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide 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 shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within 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 matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.