Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big problem to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them can be a significant expense.
The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also get your key copied by an expert dealer, however they'll charge you more.
Year and Make of the Vehicle
The days when losing a car key was not a big issue are long gone. Today's cars are more advanced and, as a result, their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact, if you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350.
Modern vehicles utilize electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices equipped with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips that are all paired with your specific vehicle. This is a sophisticated process that requires special tools and training to master.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on replacement car keys. By comparing key prices and features before you buy, you can be more aware of the amount you can expect to pay for your new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a major impact on the cost of your new replacement keys. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips which need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly procedure.
It is cheaper to replace old cars and keys that don't contain transponder chips. You can save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace your car keys.
You might also consider purchasing a portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag which can assist you in finding your car keys in case they get lost. These devices attach to your keys and are easy to use using an app for smartphones.
It's important to remember that misplacing or losing keys to your car can be costly, so it's advisable to keep an extra key on hand at all times. If you don't own an extra key, you should check with your dealer to find out if they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the vehicle warranty, or as an extra roadside assistance add-on. These programs will pay for replacement car keys up to $400 per year. They are well worth the peace-of-mind they provide.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually miniscule electronic devices. In auto key replacement cost , there's a lot more to them than what's apparent and this makes them costly to replace.
The type of key you have also affects how much it will cost to purchase a replacement. Key fobs with standard locks are inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as robust as the modern models that include an additional layer of security. They have a unique head that has a chip that communicates to the computer in the car. A duplicate key won't function without the chip, even if it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. These are much more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they require two steps to make: 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 hazardous task that should only be performed by a locksmith who is trained. If they have to replace other components such as the housing which houses a chip, the process can be time-consuming and costly.
For the most recent models of cars, you'll need to bring your vehicle to the dealership to have a new key programed to your vehicle. You'll need proof of ownership such as the registration papers or title documents. Also, you'll need wait a few days until the dealer can order the new key for your car and match it with the existing one.
Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. He has to turn away customers with the latest models of cars as there isn't the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that can provide many services and can accommodate any type of vehicle. This will save you money on the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.
Where You Live
The location of your house will affect the cost the locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace keys. If you live in a large city the costs are likely to be higher than if you live in a small town or rural area. This is due to the fact that a service provider has to travel farther to reach you, which means higher prices.
The timing and location of the loss may be a factor in the price. The cost of a replacement key will increase if you lose them on the weekend or in the night. You might also be charged additional due to the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to show up.
The kind of key you own will also influence the cost. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, keys fobs, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using modern technology 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 and is another reason the cost is higher than a standard key.
Older cars that do not have transponder chips and standard keys will cost less to get a new key. Standard key cutting usually only requires a look at the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is right 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're unable find your keys. However it's not always possible.
You might be able to submit an insurance claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA could also be able to assist, but they will likely only offer a basic key and not the most advanced technology.
Security Features
It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a danger that all drivers are exposed to it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.
The cost of replacing keys is affected by several factors. The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the year and model of your vehicle as well as the technology used in the key, as well as the security features. You should also consider whether you would like to use an emergency roadside service, like AAA. This could increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
Traditional keys made of metal which don't have transponder chips are much less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key must be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost you $200 or more.
A lot of cars today have key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle's computer. These keys are harder to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. The cost to replace these types of keys can be as high as $500 or more.
You could also add an RFID tracker to your keychain in the event that you lose it. These small devices can be bought at many hardware stores and can be can be used with an app to track your key that you lost. While they can add to the total cost of replacing keys, they are an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.
In the past when you lost your car keys was a big inconvenience and could have put you out of pocket for a period of time. Today, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, and so losing your keys can be an issue. But it doesn't need to be costly to get you back on the road.
