Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major hassle to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them can be a significant expense.
A call to an auto locksmith is the most affordable and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also get your keys copied by professional dealers, but they often charge extra.
Year & Make a Car
The days when losing a car key was not an problem are long gone. Nowadays, cars are more advanced, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact when you lose your smart key or fob it could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and start the engine. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices equipped with circuitry, a battery and transponder chips all linked to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complex procedure that requires specialized tools and training to master.
There are ways to save money on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to purchasing you will be more aware of the amount you can anticipate spending on new keys.
One of the main factors that will influence the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and make of your car. A lot of newer cars have advanced transponder chips that require to be paired with the car by a dealer or auto locksmith this is a costly and time-consuming procedure.
Keys for older cars and vehicles that do not have transponder chips are much cheaper to replace. You can also save money by buying online or using a third party service to replace your car keys.
You may also want to consider purchasing a portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag which can aid you in finding your car keys should they get lost. These devices attach to your keys and are easy to use via the smartphone app.
It's important to remember that losing or misplacing your car keys could be costly, so it's best to have an extra set of keys on hand at all times. If you don't have an extra, it's worth checking with your dealership to see if they have the option of a key replacement program for free as part of the warranty for your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs can provide replacement car keys that can be as high as $400 per year. They're worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
Although keys to cars and remote controls may appear to be ordinary metal pieces, they're actually electronic devices in miniature form. They're more complicated than they appear. This means they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to purchase a replacement. Key fobs with standard locks are inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as durable as modern ones that come with an additional layer of security. These keys have a special head that has a chip that communicates to the car's computer. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to function even if the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith might need to disassemble the transponder in order to programme it correctly. car key replacement is a dangerous job that should only be done by a professional locksmith. If they need to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses chips, the procedure can be time-consuming and costly.
For the most recent models of cars, you'll need to bring your vehicle into the dealership to have a new key programed to your vehicle. It will be necessary to present proof of ownership such as your registration or title documents. In addition, you'll have to wait a few days until the dealer can order a new key for your car and match it with your existing one.
Genesky says he's able to cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. Genesky is forced to turn away customers with the latest models of cars as he does not have the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to locate a local locksmith or dealer that provides a wide range of services and can work with any type of vehicle. This will save you money in the long run when it's time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your home can impact the price that a locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace the key. Prices are higher in large cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider needs to travel further to get to you and this translates into higher prices.
The date and time of the loss could also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night this will increase the total cost. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key you have can also impact the cost. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others include transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using higher-tech keys will be higher.
Certain of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This could take about an hour or more, and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a basic one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that do not include transponder chips, will usually pay less for the purchase of a new key. Standard key cutting usually only requires a look at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the vehicle.
Many of these key types require that they are paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, you can try calling the car dealership you bought the car, but that is not always an option.
If your insurance policy is in place It may be possible to file a claim with them to pay for an alternative key or fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA could be able help with this as well, although they will probably only provide a simple key, and not more advanced technology.
Security Features
It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys, but it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. This is a risk all drivers have to face. It is important to plan for the cost of replacing a car key.
There are many factors that influence the cost of replacement keys. These include the year and model of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is and the security features included in the keys. You should also think about whether you would like to make use of an emergency roadside service, like AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
It is much less expensive to replace traditional metal keys for cars without a transponder. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. However the latest smart key needs to be paired with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in a variety of cars that connect to the vehicle's computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are specifically made to guard against theft. They can cost as much as $500 or more.
You can also opt to add a tracker to your keychain to help locate it should you lose it. These tiny devices can be bought at many hardware stores and can be used with an app that tracks your key that you lost. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys, but they are an affordable and effective option for most people.
In the past, losing a set of keys to your car was an enormous hassle and could have left you out of pocket for a period of time. automotive key replacement , we are more technologically advanced than in the past, and so losing your keys is an issue. But it doesn't need to be costly to get you back behind the wheel.