Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be an enormous trouble. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
auto key replacement cost and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also have your keys copied at a specialist dealer, but they'll charge you more.
Year and Make a Car
Long gone are the days when a simple lost car key wasn't such an issue. The keys of today's cars which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to buy. Losing your smart keys could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices that have circuitry, a battery and transponder chip that are all linked to your vehicle's specific model. This is a difficult procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. Comparing the prices of keys and features can help you to get an idea of much you'll pay for new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a significant impact on the price of your new replacement keys. Many newer vehicles have advanced transponder chips that require to be paired with the car by an auto locksmith or dealer which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Keys for older cars and vehicles without transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. Additionally you could save money on car keys replacement by using a third-party provider or purchasing your new key online.
Consider buying an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in case they are lost. These devices attach directly to your keys and are easily accessible with a smartphone application.
Keep in mind that losing or misplacing your keys to your car can be expensive. It is recommended to always have an extra. If you don't have an extra key, make contact with your dealer if they offer a free replacement program. This could be included in the warranty of your vehicle, or as an extra roadside assistance add-on. These programs cover up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year, and are well worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniscule electronic devices. In this way there's more to them than meets the eye -- which makes them costly to replace.
The type of key you have will also influence the cost of a replacement. Key fobs with standard locks are cheap to duplicate, but they're not as durable as newer models that have 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 when the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. These are much more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps to make the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In auto key replacements might need to remove the transponder from its socket to programme it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be very lengthy and costly when they need to replace any other parts including the housing that holds the chip.
You'll need to take your vehicle to a dealer to get a key programmed. This will require you to present proof of ownership, like the title or registration papers. You'll also need to wait for the dealer to order and pair a new key with your existing key.
Genesky says he can usually complete key programming and cut for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for around $200-$250. However, he must refuse customers with most recent models of cars since there isn't the costly equipment to program keys for them. It's important to choose a local dealership or locksmith who can deal with any kind of vehicle and provides a variety of services. This will ultimately save you money in the long run in the process of repairing and replacing your keys to your car that have been stolen or lost.
Where You Live
The location of your house can impact the price the locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace the key. Prices are higher in larger cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider must travel farther to get to you, which results in higher prices.
The timing and location of the loss can be a factor in the price. The cost of replacing a key will increase if you lose them during holidays or during the night. There is a chance that you will be charged extra to cover the inconvenience of waiting longer for a service technician to show up.
The kind of key you own will also affect the price. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others have transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. Those keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.
Certain of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take about an hour or more, and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a standard one.
Older vehicles without transponder chips and standard keys are less expensive to purchase an updated key. Standard key cutting typically only requires a look at the cuts on the ignition of the car or using a VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Many of these key types require that they be paired with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and start the engine. If you have lost your keys and are unable locate them, call the dealership that you purchased your car, but that is not always an option.
You may be able file a claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA could also be able to help however, they'll likely provide the basic key, and not the latest technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a risk that all drivers face it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys to be able to budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors. The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors, including the year and model of your car, the technology used in the key, and the security features. You should also think about whether you'd prefer to utilize an emergency roadside service, such as AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing your lost key.
Traditional metal car keys which don't have transponder chips are much less expensive to replace. They can typically be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
A lot of cars today have key fobs that use radio frequency identification to communicate with your vehicle's computer. These keys are more difficult to copy, and they are designed to prevent theft. They can cost as much as $500 or more.
You can also opt to add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it in the event that you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be purchased at most hardware stores and can be used in conjunction with an app that can track the location of your lost key. While they can increase the cost of replacing keys, they can also be an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.
In the past the past, losing a set of car keys was a big hassle and could have left you out of pocket for a period of time. Today, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, and so losing your keys can be a hassle. But it doesn't need to be costly to get back on the road.