Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major hassle to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also have your key copied by specialist dealers, but they usually increase the cost.
Year & Make of Vehicle
The days of having a lost car key was not a big 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 up to $350.
This is because modern cars make use of electronic keys and fobs to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices of a tiny size, with a battery and circuitry, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complicated process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on replacement car keys. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to purchasing you will be better informed about the price you can expect to spend on new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a major impact on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Most modern vehicles come with high-tech transponder chips that need to be connected to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Keys that are older and without transponder chips will be much more affordable to replace. You can also save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace the keys to your car.
You might also look into purchasing a portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag which can assist you in finding your car keys should they are lost. These devices attach directly to your keys and can be used with a smartphone application.
Remember that losing or misplacing your car keys could be costly. It is recommended to always have a spare. If you don't have an extra key, you should check with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the vehicle warranty, or as an extra roadside assistance option. These programs can cover replacement car key costs up to $400 per year. They're well worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. As such they have more to them than meets the eye -- which makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key you have will also impact the amount it will cost to get a 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. These have a special key head that has a small chip that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the authenticity of the key. Without the chip the duplicate key will not function even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In certain situations the locksmith will have to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be long and costly should they need to replace any other parts such as the housing that holds the chip.
For the most recent model automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle into an auto dealer to get a new key programed to your vehicle. You'll need to present evidence of ownership, such as the registration papers or title documents. You'll also have to wait until the dealer orders and connect a new key with the key you have already.
Genesky claims that he is able to cut keys and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. However, he must refuse customers with latest model cars because he doesn't have the expensive equipment to program keys for them. It's important to choose a local locksmith or dealership who can deal with any kind of vehicle and provides a variety of services. This will help you save money in the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.
Where You Live
The location of your house can affect the price that a locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace the key. Prices are higher in larger cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel farther to get to your location, which means higher costs.
Another factor that can impact the cost of car key replacement is the time and location you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on an evening or on a holiday this will increase the overall price. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The type of key you're using can also impact the cost. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, a key fob, or smart key. Keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.
Certain of these keys must be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. how much are car key replacements can take up to an hour or more and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a standard one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that don't contain transponder chips typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Standard key cutting usually requires reading the cuts on the car's ignition or using the VIN number to identify the correct key for the car.
A lot of these keys require pairing with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, you can try calling the car dealership you bought your car from, but that is not always an option.
Depending on your insurance policy depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to submit a claim to them to cover the cost of the replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA could also be able of assistance however, they'll likely only provide a basic key and not the most advanced technology.
Security Features
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a risk all drivers are exposed to it's crucial to know the cost of replacing the car keys so that you can budget for it.
There are many factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. These include the year and model of your vehicle, how advanced the technology used to make keys is, and the security features in the keys. It's also important to consider whether you'd like to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA, which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing the lost key.
It is much cheaper to replace traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key must be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost up to $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in a variety of cars which communicate with the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to guard against theft. Keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You could also decide to add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it in the event that you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be purchased from most hardware stores, and can be used in conjunction with an app to monitor the whereabouts of your lost key. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, but they are an affordable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past when you lost your keys to your car was a major issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a short time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents had in their time, and losing your keys could be an issue, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune to return to driving.