Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be an immense trouble. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also get your keys copied at an authorized dealer, but they'll charge more.
Year & Make a Vehicle
The days of having a lost car key was not a big problem are long gone. The keys of today's cars, which are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. Losing your smart keys could cost you as much as $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are electronic devices with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips that are all linked to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated procedure that requires specific tools and training.
There are many ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing prices for keys and features prior to purchasing you will be more informed about the price you can expect to pay for your new keys.
One of the most important factors that influence the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and the make of your car. Many newer vehicles have advanced transponder chips that require to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer this is a costly and time-consuming process.
Keys for older cars and vehicles with no transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. You can also save money by buying online or using a third party service to replace your car keys.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event they get lost. These devices can be attached to your keys and are easy to use with the smartphone app.
Be aware that the loss or misplacement of keys to your car could cost you money. replacement key fobs for cars is best to always have a spare. If you don't have an extra key, you should consider checking with your dealership to see if they have the option of a key replacement program for free as part of your warranty on your vehicle, roadside assistance extra add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs will provide replacement car keys of up to $400 per year. They are well worth the peace-of-mind they provide.
Technology Type
Although keys for cars and remotes might appear to be basic metal pieces, they're actually tiny electronic devices. As such there's more to them than what's apparent and this makes them costly to replace.
The type of key you have also affects how much it will cost to purchase a replacement. Key fobs that are standard are inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as durable as the modern models that include an additional layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates to the computer in the car. A duplicate key cannot function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. They are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases the locksmith will have to take apart the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should be performed only by a locksmith with special training. The process can be lengthy and costly should they need to replace any other parts including the housing that houses the chip.
For the most recent models of cars, you'll need to bring your car 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. You'll also need to wait for the dealer to order and match a new key to the key you have already.
Genesky says that he's able to complete key programming and cut for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for between $200 and $250. Genesky is forced to turn away customers who have the latest models of cars because he does not have the costly equipment required to program their keys. This is why it's important to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that can provide an array of services that can be adapted to any kind of vehicle. This will save you money on the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your home can impact the price a locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace a key. Prices are higher in large cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is because a service provider must travel farther to reach you, which means higher cost.
The date and time of the loss can also affect the cost. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night this will increase the total cost. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician to arrive.
The type of key you own can also impact the cost. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, keys fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using higher-tech keys will be more expensive.
Certain of these high-tech keys require programming by a dealership or auto locksmith. This could take up to an hour or more and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a basic one.
Older vehicles without transponder chips or standard keys are less expensive to purchase 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 correct key for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require that they are paired 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 where you bought the car, but that is not always an option.
You may be able file an insurance claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies like AAA could be able assist you with this but they'll probably only provide a simple key, not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a major hassle however it can also be an opportunity for someone to take your car. This is a danger that all drivers must face. It's crucial to budget for the cost of a new car key.
The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors. These include the year and make of your vehicle, how sophisticated the technology used to make keys is, and the security features in the keys. It is also important to consider whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance program, like AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.
Traditional car keys made of metal that don't have transponder chips are a lot less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost you $200 or more.
A lot of cars today have keys that use 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 add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it should you lose it. These tiny devices are available at many hardware stores and can be can be used with an app that tracks your lost key. They can increase the cost of replacing electronic keys, however they are a cost-effective and practical option for most people.
In the past the past, losing a set of keys to your car was a major hassle and could have left you out of pocket for a short time. Most of us today are more technologically advanced than in the past, and so losing your keys can be a hassle. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get back on the road.