Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is an enormous trouble. The cost of replacing them is an expense of a major magnitude.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also get your key copied by specialist dealers, but they usually increase the cost.
Year and Make of Vehicle
It's been a long time since where a single lost car key wasn't such an issue. Today's cars are more advanced and, as a result, keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart keys could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start the engine. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny sizes, with a battery and circuitry, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complicated procedure that requires specialized tools and training to master.
There are ways to save money on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing key prices and features prior to purchasing, you can be more informed about the price you can expect to spend on new keys.
One of the main factors that will determine the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and the make of your vehicle. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive procedure.
It is cheaper to replace older cars and keys that don't have transponder chips. Additionally, you can often save money on car keys replacement through a third-party service or purchasing your new key on the internet.
Consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event that they are lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are simple to use with a smartphone app.
Be aware that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could cost you money. It is recommended to always have an extra. If you don't have a spare, it's worth consulting your dealer to find out if they offer a free key replacement program as part of your vehicle's warranty, roadside assistance extra add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs may pay for replacement car keys that can be as high as $400 per year. They're worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. Therefore, they're more complicated than they appear. This means they're costly to replace.
The type of key you have will also impact the amount it will cost you to purchase an alternative. Key fobs with standard locks are inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as robust as the modern ones that come with an additional layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip which communicates to the car's computer. A duplicate key will not work without the chip even having the same ridges and grooves as the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps: cutting with lasers and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases, a locksmith will need to disassemble the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should be handled only by a specialized locksmith. If they have to replace other components such as the housing that holds chips, the procedure could be lengthy and costly.
For the most current model cars, you'll need to bring your vehicle into the dealership to have a new key programmed to your vehicle. This requires you to present evidence of ownership, like your registration or title documents. Also, you'll need wait a few days for the dealer to purchase a new key for your vehicle and pair it with your existing one.
Genesky says that he can do the key cutting and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he must turn away clients with the latest model cars because there isn't the costly equipment to program their keys. replacement car keys price is essential to select an auto dealer or locksmith that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and offers various services. Ultimately, this will save you money over the long term when it comes to fixing 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. Prices are higher in large cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is because a service provider has to travel further to get to you, which means higher cost.
The time and location of the loss can be a factor in the price. The cost of a replacement key will be higher if lose them during holidays or at night. There is a chance that you will be charged extra to cover the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to show up.
The type of key you're using can also impact the cost. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. Keys that are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Certain of these keys need to be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. It could take up to an hour or longer and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a basic one.
For those with older vehicles with standard keys that do not include transponder chips, will usually pay less for an entirely new key. Standard key cutting usually requires reading the cut marks on the ignition of the vehicle or using the VIN number to identify the correct key for the car.
A lot of these keys require that they be paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. You can contact the dealership from which you bought your car if you're not able to locate your keys. However it isn't always possible.
You may be able to make an insurance claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA might be able to assist you with this however they'll likely only provide a simple key, and not more advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience however it can also be an opportunity for someone else to steal your car. While this is a risk every driver faces it's crucial to know the cost of replacing your car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.
The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is and the security features included in the keys. It is also important to think about whether you'd like to use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA which can add to the overall cost of replacing a lost key.
It is much less expensive to replace the traditional metal keys for cars without a transponder. These can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. However, a smarter key must be connected with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that use radio frequency identification to connect with the computer in your car. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. These keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You can also opt to have a tracker added to your keychain to assist you to locate it in case you lose it. These are usually small devices that can be bought from most hardware stores, and they can be used in conjunction with an app to monitor the location of your lost key. While they may add to the cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.
In the past when you lost your keys to your car was a major hassle and could have left you out of pocket for some time. Nowadays, we have more technology than in the past, and so losing your keys is a hassle. However, it doesn't have to be costly to get back on the road.