Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big trouble to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. auto car key replacement can also have your key copied by specialist dealers, but they typically charge extra.
Year and Make of the vehicle
Long gone are the days when a lost car key wasn't such important. Modern cars are more sophisticated and 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 to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices equipped with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips all linked to the vehicle you have chosen. This is a sophisticated procedure that requires specialized tools and knowledge to master.
There are a variety of ways to save money on new car keys. By comparing the prices of keys and features before you buy you will be better aware of the amount you can expect to pay for your new keys.
One of the main factors that will affect the price of the replacement car keys is the year and the make of your car. Many newer cars have transponder chips which need to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive process.
It's cheaper to replace older cars and keys that do not have transponder chips. In addition, you can often save money on replacement car keys by using a third-party provider or buying your new key on the internet.
You may also want to consider buying an portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag which can aid you in finding your car keys if they get lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys and can be used with a smartphone application.
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 set of keys on hand at all times. If auto key replacement don't own a spare key, check with your dealer to see whether they have a no-cost replacement program. It could be a included in the warranty of your vehicle or as an additional roadside assistance add-on. These programs may pay for replacement car keys of up to $400 per year. They're worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. Therefore, they're more complicated than they appear. This means they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you have will also impact the amount it will cost to purchase a replacement. Key fobs of the standard type are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as the latest models with an extra layer of security. These keys have a special head that has a chip that communicates with the computer in the car. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't function even in the event that the grooves and ridges are the same as the original. These are much more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps to make laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases, a locksmith will need to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a risky job that should only be performed by a specialized locksmith. If they have 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 to get an ignition key programmed. This will require you to present evidence of ownership, like the title or registration papers. Also, you'll need to wait for the dealer to order and pair a new key with your current key.
Genesky says he is able to complete key programming and cut for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for about $200-$250. However, he has to turn away clients with the latest model cars because he doesn't have the expensive equipment needed to program keys for them. This is why it's important to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that can provide many services and can accommodate any kind of vehicle. This will ultimately aid you in saving money in the long run in the process of repairing and replacing keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
The location of your home can affect the price that a locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace the key. The prices are higher in big cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider has to travel further to reach your location, which means more expensive costs.
Another factor that can affect the cost of replacing car keys is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of replacing a key is higher if you lose them during a holiday, or during the night. There is a chance that you will be charged extra for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key you own can also impact the cost. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others include transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using more advanced technology will be higher.
Certain of these keys must be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take an hour or more and is another reason why the price will be higher than a standard key.
Older vehicles without transponder chips and standard keys are less expensive to purchase a new key. Standard key cutting usually requires reading the cut marks on the ignition of the car or using a VIN number to identify the right key for the car.
Many of these keys require that they be paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. You can contact the dealership where you purchased your car if you're in a position to locate your keys. However, this is not always feasible.
Based on your insurance policy, it may be possible to submit a claim to them to cover the cost of a replacement key or key fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA may also be able to help but they'll provide the basic key, and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives an individual the chance to rob your vehicle. While this is a risk all drivers are exposed to, it's important to know the cost of replacing the car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.
There are several factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. This includes the year and model 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 use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA which could add to the overall cost of replacing the lost key.
It is cheaper to replace traditional keys for cars without a transponder. They can typically be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost as high as $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in a variety of cars that communicate with the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. The cost of replacing keys like these can be up to $500 or more.
You may also choose to have a tracker added to your keychain to help locate it should you lose it. These small devices are available at the majority of hardware stores and are used with an app to track your key that you lost. While they can increase the cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and efficient solution for the majority of people.
In the past, losing a set of car keys was a big hassle and could have left you out of pocket for a short time. Today, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys can be a major issue. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get you back on the road.