Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is an enormous trouble. The cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also get your keys copied by professional dealers, but they usually charge extra.
Year and Make of Vehicle
The days of having a lost car key was not a big problem are long gone. Today's cars are more advanced and, as a result, keys are more expensive to replace. In fact in the event that 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 begin the engine. The keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices equipped with circuitry, a battery and transponder chips all paired with your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are a variety of ways to save money on car keys replacement. By comparing key prices and features prior to purchasing you will be more informed about how much to expect to pay for your new keys.
One of the most important factors that will determine the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and make of the vehicle. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly process.
It will be cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that don't have transponder chips. Additionally that you will often save money on car keys replacement by using a third-party service or buying your new key online.
You may also want to think about purchasing a portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag that will help you locate your car keys if they get lost. These devices can be attached to your keys and are simple to use via a smartphone app.
It's important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing your car keys could be costly, so it's advisable to keep an extra key on hand at all times. If you don't have a spare, it's worth checking with your dealership to see if it offers the option of a key replacement program for free as part of your warranty on your vehicle and roadside assistance additional add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs will provide up to $400 worth of replacement car key costs each year and are worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. In this way there's more to them than what's apparent -- which makes them expensive to replace.
The kind of key you're using can affect how much it will cost you to purchase an alternative. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated relatively cheaply, but are not as durable as newer models that come with an extra layer of security. They come with a specific key head that has a small chip inside that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the key is legitimate. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. These keys are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps in cutting the laser and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith will have to take apart the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a risky job that should be handled only by a locksmith who is trained. If they need to replace other parts such as the housing which houses chips, the procedure can be time-consuming and costly.
You'll have to take your car to a dealer in order to get a key programmed. You will need to provide proof of ownership such as your registration documents or title documents. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to make an order and match a new key to your existing key.
Genesky says he's able to cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who own the latest models of cars as he does not have the costly equipment required to program their keys. It's important to choose a local locksmith or dealership who can deal with any kind of vehicle and offers various services. This will ultimately save you 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 of your home will affect the cost a locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace a key. If you live in a city that is large it is likely to be higher than if you live in a small town or rural region. This is because the service provider must travel further to reach you, which results in higher costs.
Another factor that can affect the cost of car key replacement is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of replacing a key will be higher if lose them during a holiday, or during the night. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician to arrive.
The type of key that you own can also impact the cost. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others have transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using more advanced technology will be higher.
Some of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take an hour or longer and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a standard one.
Older cars without transponder chips and standard keys will cost less to buy a new one. Standard key cutting typically only requires reading the cuts on the ignition of the vehicle or using a VIN number to identify the right key for the car.
Many of these keys require that they are connected to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engines. You can contact the dealership that sold you your car if you're unable find your keys. However, this is not always feasible.
Based on your insurance policy depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to file a claim with them to cover the cost of the replacement key or key fob. 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
Losing your car keys can be a huge hassle, but it's also an opportunity for someone to steal your car. This is a risk 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 keys replacement. These include the year and model of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the technology used to make keys is, and the security features in the keys. You should also think about whether you would like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA. This could increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
Traditional metal car keys that don't come with transponder chips are much less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. On the other hand, a newer smart key needs to be paired with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in a variety of cars that communicate with the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are harder to duplicate and are specifically designed to stop theft. The cost to replace these types of keys can be as high as $500 or more.
You may also choose to add a tracker to your keychain to assist you to locate it in the event that you lose it. These are usually small devices that can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores and can be used with an app that can track the whereabouts of your lost key. While they may add to the total cost of replacing keys, they are an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.
In the past, losing your car keys could be a major hassle and cost you money for a few days. Today, however, most of us have more technology than our grandparents did back in their day, and misplacing your keys could be a big hassle, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune in order to get back on the road.