Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is an expense of a major magnitude.
The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also have your keys copied by professional dealers, but they typically upcharge.
Year & Make a Vehicle
Long gone are the days when a simple lost car key wasn't a big deal. Modern cars are more sophisticated, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. In key replacement car in the event that you lose your smart key or fob it could cost you up to $350.
This is because modern cars use electronic keys and fobs to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices in miniature size with a battery and circuitry are connected to the vehicle. This is a complex procedure that requires special tools and training to master.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on car keys replacement. Comparing the prices of keys and features will help you get a better idea of how much you'll have to have to pay for new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a significant impact on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Many newer vehicles have high-tech transponder chips that need to be paired with the car by an auto locksmith or dealer which is a costly and time-consuming process.
It's cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that don't contain transponder chips. In addition you could save money on car keys replacement by using a third-party service or purchasing your new key online.
You may also want to consider buying an portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag that can assist you in finding your car keys should they are lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys and can be used with a smartphone application.
It's important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing your keys to your car can be costly, so it's best to have 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 warranty on your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs can cover up to $400 in replacement car key costs 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. Therefore, they're more complicated than they appear. This makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also impact the cost of a replacement. Standard key fobs are relatively inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as durable as the newer models that have an additional layer of security. These have a special key head that has a small chip inside that communicates with the car's computer system to ensure the key is legitimate. A duplicate key cannot work without the chip even in the event that it has the same grooves and ridges as the original. These keys are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps in laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some cases a locksmith may need to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be carried out by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be time-consuming and expensive when they need to replace any other part such as the housing that holds the chip.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer to get a key programmed. You'll need proof of ownership such as your registration documents or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days until the dealer can order a new key for your vehicle and then pair it with the existing one.
Genesky says that he's able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles at his shop for between $200 and $250. However, he is forced to turn away clients with the newer models because there isn't the costly equipment to program keys for them. It's important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provides a variety of services. This will help you save money in the long run when it comes time to replace or repair your keys to your car.
Where You Live
When you live can impact the amount a locksmith or car dealer charges for key replacement. Prices are higher in large cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider has to travel further to reach you, which results in higher costs.
The timing and location of the loss may also affect the cost. The cost of a replacement key will increase if you lose them during the weekend or in the night. You might also be charged additional to cover the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to show up.
The type of key that you have can also affect the price. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have a transponder chip, key fob or smart key. The cost of replacing keys using modern technology will be more expensive.
Some of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. It could take up to up to an hour or more and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a standard one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that do not contain transponder chips typically pay less for a new key. Standard key cutting typically only requires a look at the cuts on the car's ignition or using a VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Most keys require that they are paired with the vehicle’s computer to open the doors and start the engines. You can contact the dealership where you purchased your car if you're unable find your keys. However, this is not always possible.
Depending on your insurance policy It may be possible to file a claim with them to cover the cost of the replacement key or key fob. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA might be able to help with this as well, although they will probably only offer a basic key and not the more sophisticated technology.
Security Features
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk every driver faces it's important to understand the cost of replacing the car keys so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of factors. This includes 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. It is also important to think about whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA, which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing keys that have been lost.
Traditional metal car keys that don't have a transponder chip in them are much less expensive to replace. They can be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key must be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost up to $200 or more.
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to connect with the computer in your car. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are specifically designed to stop theft. They can cost up to $500 or more.
You may also choose to have a tracker added to your keychain to assist you to locate it in the event that you lose it. These tiny devices are available at most hardware stores and can be used with an app that tracks your key that you lost. While they can add to the cost of replacing keys, they are an affordable and effective solution for most people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major issue and cost you money for a time. Most of us today have more technology than in the past, so losing your keys is a hassle. However, it doesn't have to be costly to get back behind the wheel.