Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be an immense problem. The cost of replacing them is also an expense of a major magnitude.
A call to an auto locksmith is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your key copied by a specialist dealer, but they'll charge more.
Year and Make of the vehicle
Long gone are the days when a simple lost car key wasn't such a big deal. Today's cars are more advanced and, as a result, their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact when you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs are electronic devices equipped with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips all linked to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complex process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on replacement car keys. By comparing prices for keys and features prior to buying you will be better informed about the price you can expect to pay for your new keys.
The year and the make of your car will have a significant impact on the cost of your new replacement keys. Most modern vehicles come with high-tech transponder chips that need to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
It will be cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that do not contain transponder chips. Additionally that you will often save money on new car keys through a third-party service or purchasing your new key on the internet.
You might also think about buying an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will aid you in finding your car keys should they get lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys and can be used with a smartphone application.
It's important to remember that misplacing or losing your car keys can be costly, so it's best to have a spare in your vehicle at all times. If you don't have a spare, it's worth visiting your dealer to see if it offers an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of your vehicle's warranty and roadside assistance additional add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs can provide up to $400 worth of replacement car key costs each year and are well worth the peace of mind they provide.
Technology Type
While keys for cars and remotes might appear to be basic metal pieces, they're actually tiny electronic devices. As such there's more to them than meets the eye -- and this makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key that you own will also affect the cost of replacement. Key fobs that are standard are inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as durable as newer models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates with the car's computer. A duplicate key won't function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. These are much more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases a locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a risky job that should only be done by a professional locksmith. The process can be very lengthy and costly if they have to replace other parts, including the housing that houses the chip.
For the most current model automobiles, you'll need bring your vehicle to the dealership to have an updated key programmed to your vehicle. You'll need to present evidence of ownership, such as your registration papers or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days for the dealer to order an additional key for your vehicle and then pair it with your current one.
Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he must deny customers who have the most recent models of cars since there isn't the costly equipment to program keys for them. It's important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and provide a variety of services. Ultimately, this will help you save money in the end when it comes to repairing and replacing your keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect the amount a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. If you reside in a city that is large it is likely to be higher than if you live in an isolated town or rural region. This is due to the fact that the service provider has to travel further to reach you, which results in higher prices.
Another factor that can impact the cost of car key replacement is the time and location you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on the night of a holiday or during the night it can add to the total cost. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The kind of key you own will also affect the price. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. Keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Some of these high tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could take up to about an hour or more, and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a basic one.
car key replacements who have older cars with standard keys that do not have transponder chips will typically pay less for an entirely new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cuts on the ignition of the vehicle or using a VIN number to identify the correct key for the vehicle.
Many of these key types require that they are paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and start the engine. If you have lost your keys and are unable locate them, you could call the dealership that you purchased your car from, but that is not always an option.
Depending on your insurance policy It may be possible to submit a claim to them to cover the cost of the replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA may also be able to help but they'll only offer a basic key and not the latest technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience however it can also be an opportunity for someone else to steal your car. While this is a danger that all drivers are exposed to, it's important to know the cost of car key replacement so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors. These include the year and make of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is, and the security features included in the keys. It's also important to consider whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA, which can increase the cost of replacing keys that have been lost.
Traditional car keys made of metal which don't have a transponder chip in them are much less expensive to replace. They can typically be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key must be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. 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. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate, and they are designed to prevent theft. They can cost $500 or more.
You could also add an electronic tracker to your keychain in case you misplace it. These are usually small devices that can be purchased at most hardware stores and they can be used with an app to monitor the whereabouts of your lost key. While they can increase the total cost of replacing keys, they are an affordable and effective solution for most people.
In the past the past, losing a set of car keys was a big inconvenience and could have put you out of pocket for some time. Nowadays, we have more technology than we did in the past, and so losing your keys is a hassle. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get back behind the wheel.