Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge problem to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is an expense of a major magnitude.
Calling an auto locksmith is the cheapest and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your keys copied at an authorized dealer, but they'll charge you more.
Year & Make a Vehicle
Long gone are the days when a simple lost car key wasn't such an issue. Today's cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive to replace. In fact in the event that you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350.
key fob replacement make use of electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices with circuitry, a battery and transponder chips all linked to the vehicle you have chosen. This is a complex procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are ways to save on replacement keys for your car. Comparing prices and features of keys will help you get an idea of how much you'll have to have to pay for new keys.
One of the most important factors that affect the price of the replacement car keys is the year and make of your vehicle. Many newer vehicles have high-tech transponder chips that need to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Older cars and keys without transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. You can also save money by buying online or utilizing a third party service to replace keys to your car.
You might also think about buying a portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will help you locate your car keys should they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and can be used by using a smartphone app.
It's important to remember that misplacing or losing your car keys can be costly, so it's advisable to keep an extra key with you at all times. If you don't have a spare key, check with your dealer to find out whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the vehicle warranty, or as an extra roadside assistance add-on. These programs provide up to $400 worth of key replacement costs per year, and are well worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
While keys for cars and remotes might appear to be basic metal pieces, they're actually miniature electronic devices. In this way, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent and this makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost of 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. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates with the computer in the car. A duplicate key won't work without the chip even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. The keys are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps that include laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some cases a locksmith may need to remove the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be carried out by a locksmith with special training. If they need to replace other parts, 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 get a key programmed. You will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration documents or title documents. Also, you'll need wait a few days for the dealer to purchase a new key for your car and match it with your existing one.
Genesky says he can usually do the key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he is forced to deny customers who have the newer models because he doesn't have the expensive equipment needed to program keys for them. It is essential to select an auto dealer or locksmith that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provide various services. This will save you money in the long run when it's time to replace or repair your lost car keys.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect the amount the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. Prices are higher in large cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider must travel farther to get to you, which results in more expensive costs.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing car keys is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of replacing a key will increase if you lose them on holidays or in the night. You might also be charged additional 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. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, a key fob, or smart key. Keys that are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Some 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 lock will cost more than a basic one.
Older cars without transponder chips or standard keys are less expensive to purchase an updated key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a look at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is suitable for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require that they be paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and then start the engine. You can contact the dealership that sold you your car if you are not able to locate your keys. However, this is not always the case.
You might be able to submit a claim for a replacement fob or key, based on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA might be able to help with this as well but they'll probably only offer a basic key, and not more advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a danger that every driver faces it's crucial to know the cost of car key replacement to be able to budget for it.
The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of factors. This includes the year and model of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is, and the security features included in the keys. It is also important to consider whether you would like to utilize an emergency roadside service, like AAA. This could increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
Traditional keys made of metal that don't have a transponder chip in them are much less expensive to replace. They can be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a smarter key needs to be paired with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Many cars are now equipped with keys that use radio frequency identification to communicate with your vehicle's computer. These keys are harder to duplicate and are made to guard against theft. The cost of replacing these types of keys can be up to $500 or more.
You could also add a tracker to your keychain in the event that you misplace it. These are typically small devices that are available from a variety of hardware stores and they can be used with an app to track the whereabouts of your lost key. While they can increase the cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.
In the past when you lost your keys to your car was a major hassle and could have left you out of pocket for a short time. Nowadays, however of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their day, and misplacing your keys can be an enormous hassle however, it doesn't have to cost you a fortune in order to get back behind the wheel.