Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the most affordable and easiest way to replace your car key. You can also get your keys copied at an authorized dealer, but they will charge you more.
Year and Make of the Vehicle
The days when a lost car key was not an problem are long gone. Today's cars are more advanced and, as a result, keys are more expensive to replace. The loss of your smart key could cost you as much as $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices equipped with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips that are all paired with your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on car keys replacement. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to purchasing, you can be more aware of the amount you can expect to pay for your new keys.
The year and make of your car will have a major impact on the price of your new replacement keys. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive procedure.
It is cheaper to replace older cars and keys that do not have transponder chips. In addition you could save money on replacement car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing your new key on the internet.
You might also consider purchasing an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that can help you locate your car keys should they get lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys, and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.
Keep in mind that losing or misplacing keys to your car could be expensive. It is best to always have a spare. If you don't own a spare key, check with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. It could be a part of the warranty for your vehicle or an additional roadside assistance option. These programs may cover replacement car key costs that can be as high as $400 per year. They are well worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
Although car keys and remote controls may appear to be simple metal pieces, they are actually miniature electronic devices. In this way, there's a lot more to them than meets the eye -- which makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost of replacement. Key fobs that are standard are cheap to duplicate, but they're not as robust as the modern ones that come with an additional layer of security. They have a unique head that has a chip that communicates with the computer in the car. A duplicate key won't function without the chip, even having the same grooves and ridges as the original. They are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps to make the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In certain situations a locksmith may need to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a locksmith with specialized training. If they are required to replace other components such as the housing which houses a chip, the process could be lengthy and costly.
For the most recent models of cars, you'll need to bring your car into a dealership to have a new key programed to your vehicle. You will need to provide evidence of ownership like your registration documents or title documents. Also, you'll need wait a few days until the dealer can order the new key for your vehicle and pair it with the existing one.
Genesky says that he can do the key cutting and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he must deny customers who have the most recent models of cars since they don't have the high-priced equipment needed to program their keys. It is important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provides various services. This will help you save money in the long run when it comes time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.
Where You Live
The location of your home 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. new car key replacement cost is because the service provider must travel farther to reach you, which translates to higher costs.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of car key replacement is the time and location you lose your keys. If you lose your keys during the night of a holiday or during the night it can add to the overall price. You might also be charged extra due to the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a 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 include transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. Those keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.
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 why the price will be higher than a standard key.
Those who have older cars with standard keys that do not have transponder chips will typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Standard key cutting usually requires reading the cut marks on the ignition of the car or using a VIN number to determine the correct key for the vehicle.
A lot of these keys require that they be paired with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you have lost your keys and are unable locate them, try calling the car dealership you bought your car from, but that is not always an option.
You might be able to submit a claim for a replacement fob or key, based on the terms of your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA might be able to assist you with this, although they will probably only give a simple key and not the more sophisticated technology.
Security Features
The loss of your car keys can be a huge inconvenience however it can also be an opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle. While this is a danger that every driver faces it's important to understand the cost of car key replacement to be able to budget for it.
The cost of replacing keys is affected by several factors. The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of factors, including the year and model of your car as well as the technology used in the key, and the security features. It's also important to decide whether you'd like to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which can increase the cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional car keys made of metal that don't have a transponder chip in them are a lot less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated 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 dealership. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in many vehicles which communicate with the car's computer via radio frequency identification. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate, and they are designed to prevent theft. The cost of replacing keys of this kind could be as high as $500 or more.
You could also add a tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These are typically small devices that are available at most hardware stores and can be used with an app to monitor the whereabouts of your lost key. While they may add to the cost of replacing e keys, they are an affordable and efficient solution for most people.
In 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. Nowadays, we have more technology than we did in the past, so losing your keys is an issue. But it doesn't have to be costly to get back behind the wheel.