10 Easy Steps To Start Your Own Cost Replacement Car Key Business
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was just a nuisance. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. auto key replacement have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put 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 allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, 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 end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.