Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be an enormous trouble. The cost of replacing them is an expense of a major magnitude.
Contacting an auto locksmith is the cheapest and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also have your keys copied by professional dealers, but they usually upcharge.
Year and Make of the vehicle
Long gone are the days when a simple lost car key wasn't such a big deal. The keys of modern-day automobiles that are more sophisticated, are more expensive to buy. Losing your smart keys could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices that have circuitry, a battery and transponder chip that are all linked to the vehicle you have chosen. This is a complicated process that requires special tools and training to master.
There are ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. By comparing key prices and features before you buy you will be more aware of the amount you can expect to spend on new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a significant impact on the price of the new keys you purchase. Many newer cars have transponder chips that need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive process.
It will be cheaper to replace old cars and keys that don't have transponder chips. In addition that you will often save money on car keys replacement through a third-party service or buying your new key online.
You should consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event that they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and can be used by using a smartphone app.
Remember that the loss or misplacement of keys to your car could be costly. It is recommended to always carry a spare. If you don't have an extra key, make contact with your dealer to see whether they have a no-cost replacement program. This could be part of the warranty for your vehicle or as an additional roadside assistance option. These programs can provide up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year and are worth the peace of mind they provide.
Technology Type
Although keys to cars and remote controls might appear to be basic metal pieces, they're actually miniature electronic devices. In this way there's more to them than what's apparent and this makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key you're using will also impact the amount it will cost to purchase the replacement. Key fobs that are standard are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as modern models that come with an extra layer of security. They have a unique key head with a small chip inside that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is valid. A duplicate key cannot work without the chip even having the same grooves and ridges as the original. These are much more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that 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 in order to program it properly. This is a dangerous job that should only be carried out by a locksmith with special training. The process could be extremely time-consuming and expensive when they need to replace other parts, including the housing that holds the chip.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer in order to get an ignition key programmed. You will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration documents or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days for the dealer to purchase an additional key for your vehicle and then pair it with your existing one.
Genesky says he is able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for about $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers with the latest models of cars as there isn't the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. It is important to choose a local locksmith or dealership that can handle any type of vehicle and provides a variety of services. Ultimately, this will aid you in saving money in the end when it comes to fixing and replacing your keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
When you live can impact the price the locksmith or dealer will charge for key replacement. Prices are higher in larger cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider must travel further to reach your location, which means higher prices.
Another factor that can impact the cost of car key replacement is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of a replacement key will increase if you lose them during the weekend or in the night. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The type of key you have will also influence 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 keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could take up to an hour or longer and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a basic one.
Older vehicles without transponder chips and standard keys will cost less to get an updated key. Standard key cutting usually requires reading the cuts on the ignition of the car or using a VIN number to determine the correct key for the car.
Many of these keys require pairing with the car's computer in order 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 that you purchased your car but that's not always an option.
Based on your insurance policy, it may be possible to make a claim to cover the cost of a replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA might also be able to assist, but they will likely only provide a basic key and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle however it can also be an opportunity for someone else to take your car. This is a risk that all drivers are required to take. It is important to plan for the cost of a new car key.
The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors. These include the year and make of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the technology used to make keys is, and the security features included in the keys. You should also think about whether you would like to make use of an emergency roadside assistance program, such as AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing the key you lost.
It is much cheaper to replace traditional car keys without a transponder. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a newer smart key must be connected with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can cost up to $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in many vehicles that connect to the car's computer via radio frequency identification. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. Keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You could also add an electronic tracker to your keychain in the event that you misplace it. These are typically small devices that can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores and they can be used in conjunction with an app to track the whereabouts of your lost key. They can add to the cost of replacing e-keys however, they are a reasonable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and cost you money for a time. Today, however, most of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did back in their time, and losing your keys is an enormous hassle but it doesn't need to cost you a fortune to return to driving.