Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
A call to an auto locksmith is the most affordable and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also have your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they typically charge extra.
Year and Make a Car
It's been a long time since when a lost car key wasn't a big deal. Nowadays, 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 you up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips all connected to the vehicle you have chosen. This is a complex procedure that requires specific tools and training.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on replacement car keys. Comparing the prices of keys and features can help you to get an idea of much you'll have to pay for new keys.
One of the main factors that determine the cost of your replacement car keys is the year and model of the vehicle. Many newer vehicles have advanced transponder chips that require to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer which is a costly and time-consuming procedure.
It will be cheaper to replace old cars and keys that don't 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 online.
You may also want to think about purchasing an portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag that will help you locate your car keys in case they get lost. These devices can be attached to your keys and are easy to use with the smartphone app.
It's important to remember that misplacing or losing your car keys can be costly, and it's recommended to keep an extra set of keys with you at all times. If you don't have an extra key, you should consider checking with your dealership to see if they have an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of your vehicle's warranty or roadside assistance add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs may pay for replacement car keys that can be as high as $400 per year. They're well worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. In this way, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also influence the cost of replacing it. Standard key fobs can be duplicated relatively cheaply however they aren't as durable as the latest models with an extra layer of security. These keys have a special head with a chip that communicates with the car's computer. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work, even in the event that the grooves and ridges are identical to the original. These keys are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps to make laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances, the locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder in order to set it up correctly. This is a dangerous job that should be performed only by a locksmith who has specialized training. If they are required to replace other components such as the housing which houses a chip, the process can be time-consuming and costly.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer to have a key programmed. This requires you to provide proof of ownership, such as the title or registration papers. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to make an order and connect a new key with your existing key.
Genesky says that he's able to program keys and cut for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for between $200 and $250. He has to turn away customers who have the latest models of cars because he does not have the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. It's important to choose a local locksmith or dealership who can deal with any kind of vehicle and offers a variety of services. This will help you save money in the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect the amount a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. If you live in a city that is large, the prices are likely to be higher than if you live in rural or a small town area. This is because a service provider must travel further to get to you, which means higher costs.
Another factor that can affect the cost of car key replacement is when and where you lose your keys. If you lose your keys during a holiday or at night this will increase the total cost. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key you have can also impact the cost. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys, whereas others have transponder chips, a key fob, or smart key. The cost of replacing keys with higher-tech keys will be higher.
Some of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take up to an hour or more of time and is another reason the price will be higher than for a basic key.
Older cars that do not have transponder chips or standard keys will cost less to buy a new one. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cuts on the ignition of the car or using the VIN number to identify the correct key for the car.
A lot of these keys require that they are paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, you can call the dealership you bought your car from but that's not always an option.
You may be able to submit a claim for a replacement fob or key, based on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA could be able help with this as well but they'll probably only offer a basic key, and not more advanced technology.
Security Features
It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While key replacements near me is a risk every driver faces it's important to understand the cost of car key replacement to ensure you have enough money for it.
There are many factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of aspects, including the year and model of your car, the technology used in the key, and the security features. You should also consider whether you would like to make use of an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.
It is cheaper to replace traditional car keys without a transponder. They can 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 can cost up to $200 or more.
Many cars now come with key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to communicate with the computer in your car. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to stop theft. The cost to replace keys like these could be as high as $500 or more.
You can also opt to add a tracker to your keychain to help locate it should you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores and they can be used in conjunction with an app that can track the location of your lost keys. While they can add to the total cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and efficient solution for the majority of people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major issue and could have cost you money for a few days. Nowadays, however of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents had in their day, and misplacing your keys is a big hassle but it doesn't need to cost you a fortune to get back behind the wheel.