G28 Car Keys UK of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Today however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain 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. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key that was likely to be affordable. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive 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. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.