Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major problem to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them can be a significant expense.
A call to an auto locksmith is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your key copied by a specialist dealer, but they'll charge more.
Year & Make a Car
The days when losing a car key was not a big issue are long gone. The keys of today's automobiles, which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to buy. In fact when you lose your fob or smart key it could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs are electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chip that are all paired with your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are many ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. Comparing key prices and features will help you get a better idea of how much you'll have to spend on new keys.
The year and model of your vehicle will have a major impact on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Many newer cars have transponder chips which need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly process.
Keys for older cars and vehicles without transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. You can also save money by buying online or utilizing a third party service to replace keys to your car.
Consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in case they go missing. These devices can be attached to your keys and are simple to use with the smartphone app.
Keep in mind that losing or misplacing your car keys could cost you money. It is best to always carry an extra. If you don't have an extra, it's worth consulting your dealer to see if they have an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of the warranty for your vehicle, roadside assistance extra add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs will cover replacement car key costs that can be as high as $400 per year. They are well worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and keys for cars might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. Therefore, they're more complex than they appear. This means they're costly to replace.
The type of key that you have will also influence the cost of replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated relatively cheaply however they aren't as durable as the latest models that come with an extra layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip which communicates with the car's computer. A duplicate key will not function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. The keys are more expensive than conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps in cutting the laser and programming the key to your vehicle.
In certain situations a locksmith may need to take apart the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a risky job that should only be done by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be very long and costly when they need to replace other parts such as the housing that houses the chip.
For the most recent models of cars, you'll need to bring your car into the dealership to have a new key programed to your vehicle. You will need to provide evidence of ownership like your registration documents or title documents. You'll also need to wait until the dealer orders and connect a new key with your current key.
Genesky says he is able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles at his shop for between $200 and $250. However, he must deny customers who have the latest model cars because he doesn't have the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. It's important to choose a local dealership or locksmith who can deal with any kind of vehicle and provides a variety of services. This will help you save money in the long run when it's time to replace or repair your keys to your car.
Where You Live
The location of your house will affect the cost that a locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace the key. If you live in a large city the costs are likely to be higher than if you lived in a small town or rural region. This is because a service provider will travel further to reach you, which translates to higher cost.
The timing and location of the loss may also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on the night of a holiday or during the night, it will add to the total cost. You might also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to show up.
The kind of key you own will also affect the price. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, a key fob or smart keys. Those keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.
Certain of these keys must be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take an hour or more of time and is a reason why the price will be higher than for a basic key.
People who own older cars with standard keys that don't contain transponder chips typically pay less for a new key. Standard key cutting usually only requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the car.
A lot of these keys require pairing with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you've lost your keys and are unable locate them, you could try calling the car dealership that you purchased your car from but that's not always an option.
You may be able to file an insurance claim to replace a fob or key, based on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA might be able to help with this as well but they'll probably only give a simple key, not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys, but it also gives thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a risk that all drivers face it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can budget for it.
There are a variety of factors that influence the cost of replacement keys. The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors, including the year and model of your vehicle as well as the technology used in the key, and security features. You should also consider whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside service, like AAA. This could increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
It is cheaper to replace traditional keys for cars without a transponder. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
A lot of cars today have key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to communicate with your vehicle's computer. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. They can cost as much as $500 or more.
vehicle key replacement can also attach an electronic tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These tiny devices can be bought at most hardware stores and utilized with an app to track your lost key. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys, however they are a cost-effective and effective option for most people.
In the past, losing your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and put you out of money for a few days. Most of us today have more technology than in the past, and so losing your keys can be an issue. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get back on the road.