Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is also an enormous expense.
The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also have your key copied by specialist dealers, but they typically upcharge.
Year and Make of vehicle
The days when losing a car key was not a major issue are over. Modern cars are more sophisticated and, as a result, their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact when you lose your smart key or fob it could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny size, with circuitry and batteries, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complex procedure that requires specific tools and training.
There are a variety of ways to save money on car keys replacement. Comparing key prices and features will give you a an idea of much you'll have to pay for new keys.
The year and the make of your car will have a major impact on the price of your new replacement keys. Many newer vehicles have high-tech transponder chips that have to be paired with the car by an auto locksmith or dealer, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
It's cheaper to replace old cars and keys that don't contain transponder chips. Additionally you could save money on replacement car keys by using a third-party provider or buying your new key online.
You may also want to consider buying an portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag that can help you locate your car keys should they get lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are simple to use with the smartphone app.
It's important to remember that misplacing or losing keys to your car could be costly, so it's recommended to keep a spare with you at all times. If you don't have a spare, it's worth 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 or roadside assistance add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs can cover up to $400 in key replacement costs per year and are worth it for the assurance they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote controls may appear to be simple metal objects, they're actually miniature electronic devices. As such they have more to them than meets the eye -- and this makes them expensive to replace.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the amount it will cost to get a replacement. Standard key fobs can be duplicated fairly cheaply, but are not as durable as newer models that come with an extra layer of security. These have a special key head that has a tiny chip that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the authenticity of the key. A duplicate key will not function without the chip, even if it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. These keys are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith will have to remove the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a risky job that should only be performed by a locksmith who is trained. The process can be time-consuming and expensive if they have to replace other parts including the housing that houses the chip.
For the most current model cars, you'll need to bring your vehicle into an auto dealer to get a new key programmed to your vehicle. You'll need to present evidence of ownership, such as your registration papers or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days until the dealer can order an additional key for your vehicle and pair it with your current one.
Genesky says that he can cut keys and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers with the latest models of cars because there isn't the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. It is important to choose a local locksmith or dealership that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provide a variety of services. This will ultimately help you save money in the long run when it comes to repairing and replacing lost or stolen car keys.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect the price the locksmith or dealer will charge for key replacement. If you reside in a large city it is likely to be higher than if you lived in an isolated town or rural area. This is due to the fact that the service provider has to travel further to get to you and this translates into higher prices.
The date and time of the loss could be a factor in the price. The cost of a replacement key will be higher if lose them during the weekend or at night. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive.
The kind of key you own will also influence 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 with higher-tech keys will be higher.
Certain of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could take an hour or more of time and is a reason why the price will be higher than a standard key.
People who own older cars with standard keys that don't have transponder chips will typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the vehicle.
Most keys require that they be connected to the car's computer to open the doors and start the engines. It is possible to contact the dealership where you purchased your car if you are unable find your keys. However it isn't always the case.
You may be able make an insurance claim to replace a key or fob, depending on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA could also be able to help, but they will likely only provide the basic key, and not the most advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. This is a risk 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 influenced by a variety of factors. This includes the year and model of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is and the security features that are included in the keys. It's also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which could increase the cost of replacing the lost key.
It is much cheaper to replace traditional metal keys for cars without a transponder. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. On key replacements , a newer smart key has to be linked with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can cost up to $200 or more.
Many cars now come with keys that use radio frequency identification to communicate with the computer in your car. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to stop theft. The cost of replacing these types of keys could be as high as $500 or more.
You can also attach an electronic tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These tiny devices can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores and are can be used with an app that tracks your key that you lost. While they can increase the cost of replacing keys, they can also be an affordable and effective solution for most people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major hassle and could have cost you money for a while. Most of us today have more technology than we did in the past, and so losing your keys can be a hassle. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get you back on the road.