Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big problem 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 key cloned by specialist dealers, but they typically upcharge.
Year and Make of the vehicle
The days when losing a car key was not an problem are long gone. Today's cars are more advanced and their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact when you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic keys and fobs to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices with circuitry, batteries and transponder chip that are all linked to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated procedure that requires specialized tools and training to master.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on new car keys. Comparing prices and features of keys can help you to get a better idea of how much you will pay for new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a major effect on the cost of the new keys you purchase. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips that need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive procedure.
It will be cheaper to replace older cars and keys that don't have transponder chips. In addition, you can often save money on car keys replacement by using a third-party provider or purchasing a new key on the internet.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event that they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and can be used with a smartphone application.
Remember that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could cost you money. It is recommended to always carry a spare. If you don't have an extra key, you should consider visiting your dealer to find out if they offer the option of a key replacement program for free as part of your vehicle's warranty and roadside assistance additional add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs will pay for replacement car keys that can be as high as $400 per year. They're well worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. Therefore there's more to them than what's apparent -- and this makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key that you own will also affect the cost of a replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated fairly cheaply however they aren't as durable as modern models with an extra layer of security. These keys come with a specific head with a chip that communicates to the car's computer. A duplicate key cannot function without the chip, even having the same grooves and ridges as the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than traditional ones because they require two steps in cutting the laser and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some instances a locksmith may need to remove the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a locksmith who has specialized training. The process could be extremely long and costly when they need to replace other parts, including the housing that houses the chip.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer in order to get the key programmed. You will need to provide evidence of ownership like the registration papers or title documents. Also, you'll need wait a few days for the dealer to order the new key for your car and match it with the existing one.
Genesky says he is able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles at his shop for about $200-$250. Genesky is forced to turn away customers with the latest models of cars as they don't have the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. This is why it's crucial to find a local locksmith or dealership that offers many services that can be adapted to any type of vehicle. This will save you money on the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your home will affect the cost a locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace a key. If you live in a major city, the prices are likely to be higher than if you lived in a small town or rural region. This is because the service provider will travel farther to reach you, which means greater prices.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing your car keys is when and where you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night, it will add to the total cost. 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 can also impact the cost. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others include transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using more advanced technology will be higher.
Some of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could take an hour or longer and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a standard one.
For those with older vehicles 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 reading the cuts on the car's ignition or using the VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Many of these key types require that they be paired with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and start the engine. You can call the dealership from which you bought your car if you're unable find your keys. However it's not always the case.
You might be able to submit an insurance claim to replace a key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA may also be able to assist, but they will likely only provide an entry level key and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a major hassle, but it's also an opportunity for someone to take your car. This is a danger that all drivers have to face. It is important to plan for the cost of a new car key.
The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is, and the security features that are included in the keys. You should also think about whether you would like to use an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing the key you lost.
Traditional keys made of metal which don't have a transponder chip in them are a lot less expensive to replace. These can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. On auto locksmith car key replacement , a smarter key has to be linked with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could cost as high as $200 or more.
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that use radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle's computer. These keys are much harder to duplicate and are designed to guard against theft. Keys 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 should you lose it. These small devices are available at most hardware stores and used with an app that tracks your key that you lost. While they can add to the cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and effective solution for most people.
In the past, losing a set of car keys was a big inconvenience and could have put 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 is a big hassle, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune in order to return to driving.