Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
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 increase the cost.
Year & Make a Car
The days when losing a car key was not a major problem are long gone. Modern cars are more sophisticated, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact in the event that you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys to open doors and begin the engine. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices equipped with circuitry, a battery and transponder chips that are all paired with the vehicle you have chosen. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are many ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing key prices and features before you buy, you can be more aware of the amount you can expect to pay for your new keys.
One of the main factors that influence the cost of your replacement car keys is the year and make of the vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips which need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly process.
It is cheaper to replace older cars and keys that do not have transponder chips. Additionally, key replacement car can often save money on new car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing your new key on the internet.
You may also want to look into buying an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will aid you in finding your car keys should they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and can be easily used by using a smartphone app.
Be aware that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could be expensive. It is recommended 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 protection. These programs can cover replacement car key costs that can be as high as $400 per year. They're well worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
While keys for cars and remotes may appear to be ordinary metal pieces, they're actually electronic devices in miniature form. Therefore they have more to them than meets the eye -- which is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you're using will also impact the amount it will cost to get the replacement. Key fobs of the standard type can be duplicated relatively cheaply, but are not as durable as newer models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique key head with a small chip in it that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is legitimate. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work even when the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. These keys are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps to make laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In certain situations the locksmith may have to disassemble the transponder in order to programme it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a specialized locksmith. If they are required to replace other parts such as the housing that houses chips, the process is time-consuming and expensive.
For the most current model automobiles, you'll need bring your vehicle to a dealership to have an updated key programmed to your vehicle. You'll need evidence of ownership, such as your registration documents or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days until the dealer can order a new key for your car and match it with your existing one.
Genesky says that he's able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he is forced to deny customers who have the latest model cars because he doesn't have the expensive equipment to program keys for them. It is important to choose a local dealership or locksmith that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provide a variety of services. This will ultimately aid you in saving money in the end when it comes to repairing and replacing keys to your car that have been stolen or lost.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect the amount the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. If you reside in a large city it is likely to be more expensive than if you resided in an isolated town or rural region. This is because a service provider will travel further to get to you, which means more expensive costs.
The time and location of the loss can also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on an evening or on a holiday, it will add to the overall price. There is a chance that you will be charged additional due to the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key that 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 more advanced technology will be more expensive.
Certain of these high-tech keys require to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can take about an hour or more, and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a basic one.
Those who have older cars with standard keys that do not have transponder chips will typically pay less for an entirely new key. Standard key cutting typically requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the vehicle.
A lot of these keys require that they be paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and then start the engine. It is possible to contact the dealership where you purchased your car if you are unable find your keys. However, this is not always possible.
You may be able to submit an insurance claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA might also be able to assist, but they will likely only offer the basic key, and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a huge hassle, but it's also an opportunity for someone else to steal 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.
There are several factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors, such as the year and model of your car as well as the technology used in the key, and security features. It is also important to think about whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing a lost key.
It is much less expensive to replace traditional car keys without a transponder. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in many cars that connect to the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to guard against theft. The cost to replace keys of this kind could be up to $500 or more.
You can also opt to have a tracker added to your keychain to assist you to locate it in the event that you lose it. These are usually small devices that can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores and they can be used with an app that can track the location of your lost key. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, however, they are a reasonable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing a set of keys to your car was an enormous inconvenience and could have put you out of pocket for a period of time. 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 have to be costly to get you back behind the wheel.