Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be a huge problem. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also request your key copied by an expert dealer, however they'll charge more.
Year and Make of vehicle
Long gone are the days where a single lost car key wasn't a big deal. Keys for modern cars, which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to buy. Losing auto key replacements could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars make use of electronic keys and fobs to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices in miniature size with circuitry and batteries, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing key prices and features prior to buying you will be better informed about how much to expect to spend on new keys.
One of the biggest factors that will affect the price of the replacement car keys is the year and make of the vehicle. Many modern cars come with transponder chips which need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly process.
It will be cheaper to replace older cars and keys that don't have transponder chips. You can also save money by purchasing online or utilizing a third party service to replace the keys to your car.
check may also want to think about purchasing an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will aid you in finding your car keys in case they are lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.
Be aware that losing or misplacing keys to your car could cost you money. It is recommended to always have a spare. If you don't have an extra, it's worth consulting your dealer to see if it offers the option of a key replacement program for free as part of the warranty for your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs may provide replacement car keys of up to $400 per year. They're worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. As such, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent and this makes them costly to replace.
The type of key you have also affects how much it will cost you to purchase a replacement. Standard key fobs are relatively inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as durable as the modern ones that come with an additional layer of security. These have a special key head with a small chip inside that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the authenticity of the key. auto key replacement cost won't function without the chip, even if it has the same grooves and ridges as the original. They are more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances a locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a specialized locksmith. The process can be very lengthy and costly when they need to replace any other part such as the housing that holds the chip.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer in order to get the key programmed. This requires you to show proof of ownership such as your registration or title papers. You'll also have to wait until the dealer orders and match a new key to the key you have already.
Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who own the latest models of cars because he does not have the costly equipment required to program their keys. This is why it's important to find a local locksmith or dealer that provides many services that can be adapted to any kind of vehicle. In the end, this will help you save money over the long term when it comes to fixing and replacing keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect how much the locksmith or dealer will charge for key replacement. Prices are higher in larger cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that a service provider must travel farther to reach you, which translates to greater prices.
Another factor that can impact the cost of replacing your car keys is the time and place you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night this will increase the overall price. You could also be charged additional due to the inconvenience of waiting longer for a service technician to show up.
The kind of key you own will also influence the cost. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, keys fobs, or smart keys. Keys that are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Certain of these keys must be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can take up to an hour or more and is a reason why the price will be higher than for a basic key.
People who own older cars with standard keys that do not include transponder chips, will usually pay less for an entirely new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the car.
A lot of keys require that they are connected to the car's computer to open the doors and start the engines. If you have lost your keys and aren't able to find them, you can call the dealership where you bought the car however that isn't always an option.
You may be able file an insurance claim for a replacement fob or key, based on your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA might also be able to assist, but they will likely provide the basic key, and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys, but it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. This is a risk that all drivers are required to take. It's crucial to budget for the cost of a new key.
There are a variety of factors that affect the cost of replacement keys. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the technology used to make keys is, and the security features included in the keys. You should also consider whether you'd prefer to use an emergency roadside service, such as AAA. This could increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
It is cheaper to replace the traditional metal car keys without a transponder. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. However, a smarter key needs to be paired with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
A lot of cars today have key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle's computer. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. The cost to replace keys like these could be up to $500 or more.
You can also opt to add a tracker to your keychain to assist you to locate it should you lose it. These small devices are available at most hardware stores and used with an app that tracks the lost keys. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, however, they are a reasonable and practical option for most people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major hassle and put you out of money for a time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their time, and losing your keys could be a big hassle however, it doesn't have to cost you a fortune in order to return to driving.