Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is an enormous trouble. The cost of replacing them is also a major expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the cheapest and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also get your key cloned at a specialist dealer, but they'll charge you more.
Year and Make of the Vehicle
The days when a lost car key was not a big issue are long gone. Nowadays, cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive to replace. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
This is because modern cars utilize electronic keys and fobs to unlock doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices that have circuitry, a battery and transponder chips all connected to your specific vehicle. This is a complex process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on new car keys. Comparing the prices of keys and features will give you a an idea of how much you'll have to pay for new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a major impact on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Many modern cars come with transponder chips which need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive process.
It's cheaper to replace old cars and keys that do not have transponder chips. You can save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace keys to your car.
You may also want to think about purchasing a portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag that will assist you in finding your car keys if they are lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are simple to use using a smartphone app.
It's important to keep in mind that losing or misplacing your keys to your car can be costly, so it's advisable to keep an extra set of keys with you at all times. If you don't have an extra key, you should consider consulting your dealer to find out if they offer an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of your vehicle's warranty, roadside assistance extra add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs will provide up to $400 worth of cost of replacement keys for your car each year, and are well worth 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. In this way they have more to them than meets the eye and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also impact the cost of replacement. Key fobs that are standard are inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as durable as newer models that have an additional layer of security. These keys have a special head with a chip which communicates to the computer in the car. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work, even in the event that the grooves and ridges are the same as the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps that include cutting with lasers and programming the key to your vehicle.
In certain situations the locksmith might need to remove the transponder from its socket to set it up correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a locksmith with specialized training. replacement for key fob can be very long and costly when they need to replace any other part such as the housing that holds the chip.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer to get an ignition key programmed. You will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as the registration papers or title documents. Also, you'll need to wait until the dealer orders and match a new key to your existing key.
Genesky says he is able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for between $200 and $250. Genesky has to refuse customers who own the most recent models of cars since he does not have the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that provides a wide range of services and can work with any kind of vehicle. In the end, this will save you money in the long run when it comes to repairing and replacing keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
The location of your home will affect the cost the locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace the key. If you reside in a city that is large it is likely to be higher than if you lived in an isolated town or rural area. This is because a service provider will travel further to reach you, which results in more expensive cost.
The time and location of the loss may be a factor in the price. The cost of a replacement key will be higher if lose them on a holiday, or in the night. You might also be charged additional to cover the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to show up.
The type of key that you have can also affect the cost. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others include transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys with modern technology will be more expensive.
Certain of these high-tech keys require to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take an hour or more and is another reason the price will be higher than a standard key.
People who own older cars with standard keys that do not contain transponder chips typically pay less for an entirely new 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 right for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require that they are paired with the vehicle’s computer for unlocking the doors and start the engines. If you lost your keys and aren't able to locate them, you could try calling the car dealership where you bought your car however that isn't always an option.
You may be able submit an insurance claim to replace a fob or key, based on the terms of your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA could also be able to help however, they'll likely only offer an entry level key and not the most advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a huge hassle however, it also presents an opportunity for someone to steal your car. While this is a risk that every driver faces it's crucial to know the cost of replacing the car keys so that you can budget for it.
There are a variety of factors that impact the price of replacement keys. These include the year and make of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is and the security features included in the keys. It's also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA which could increase the cost of replacing keys that have been lost.
It is much less expensive to replace the traditional metal car keys without a transponder. They can be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost you $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in many cars which communicate with the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are more difficult to duplicate, and they are designed to guard against theft. Keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You can also opt to add a tracker to your keychain to help locate it should you lose it. These small devices can be purchased at most hardware stores and can be used with an app to track the lost keys. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, but they are an affordable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing your car keys could be a major issue and cost you money for a while. Nowadays, however, the majority of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did in their time, and losing your keys is an issue but it doesn't need to break the bank to get back behind the wheel.