Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
The most cost-effective and easiest method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also request your key cloned at an expert dealer, however they'll charge you more.
Year and Make a Car
The days when losing a car key was not a big issue are over. Modern cars are more sophisticated, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart key could cost you as much as $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny size, with circuitry and batteries, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complex procedure that requires special tools and knowledge to master.
There are vehicle key replacement to save money on replacement car keys. Comparing prices and features of keys will give you a an idea of much you will pay for new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a major effect on the price of your new replacement keys. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that must be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly procedure.
Keys for older cars and vehicles without transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. You can also save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace the keys to your car.
You may also want to consider buying a portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that can aid you in finding your car keys in case they are lost. These devices attach directly to your keys and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.
Keep in mind that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can be expensive. It is recommended to always carry an extra. If you don't have a spare, it's worth visiting your dealer to find out if they offer a free key replacement program as part of your warranty on your vehicle and roadside assistance additional add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs can cover up to $400 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are well worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually miniscule electronic devices. Therefore, they're more complex than they appear. This means they're costly to replace.
The type of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to purchase the replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated fairly cheaply, but are not as durable as modern models with an extra layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip which communicates with the car's computer. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work, even if the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. These keys are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith may have to disassemble the transponder to set it up correctly. This is a risky job that should be handled only by a specialized locksmith. If they are required to replace other parts, such as the housing which houses a chip, the process could be lengthy and costly.
For the most recent models of automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle into the dealership to have an updated key programmed to your vehicle. You will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration documents or title documents. Also, you'll need wait a few days until the dealer can order an additional key for your car and match it with your existing one.
Genesky says he's able to cut keys and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. He has to turn away customers who own the latest models of cars as he does not have the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to locate a local locksmith or dealership that offers a wide range of services that can be adapted to any kind of vehicle. Ultimately, this will save you money over the long term when it comes to repairing and replacing keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
When you live can impact the price a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. If you reside in a large city the costs are likely to be more expensive than if you resided in a small town or rural area. This is because the service provider must travel further to get to you, which results in more expensive prices.
The time and location of the loss may also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on the night of a holiday or during the night, it will add to the total cost. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key that you have could also affect the price. Certain cars have only basic mechanical or standard keys, whereas others have transponder chips, 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 key will cost more than a standard one.
Those who have older cars with standard keys that do not contain transponder chips typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is suitable for the car.
A lot of keys require that they are connected to the computer in the vehicle for unlocking the doors and start the engines. You can call the dealership that sold you your car if you're not able to locate your keys. However, this is not always the case.
You may be able make an insurance claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA might be able to help with this as well, although they will probably only provide a simple key and not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle however, it also presents an opportunity for someone to steal your car. This is a danger that all drivers must face. It is important to plan for the cost of replacing a car key.
The cost of replacing keys is affected by several factors. These include the year and make of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is, and the security features included in the keys. You should also consider whether you'd like to make use of an emergency roadside assistance program, such as AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.
It is much less expensive to replace the traditional metal car keys without a transponder. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a newer smart key has to be linked with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. It could cost as high as $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in many vehicles that communicate with the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are harder to duplicate and are specifically made to guard against theft. Keys can cost $500 or more.
You may also choose to add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it in case you lose it. These tiny devices can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores and are used with an app to track your lost key. While they can add to the cost of replacing keys, they can be an affordable and efficient solution for most people.
In the past, losing a set of car keys was a big issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a period of time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their time, and losing your keys can be a big hassle but it doesn't need to cost you a fortune in order to get back behind the wheel.