Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major problem to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is an expense of a major magnitude.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also request your keys copied at an expert dealer, however they will charge you more.
Year and Make a Car
The days when 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. The loss of your smart key could cost you as much as $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices with circuitry, a battery and transponder chips that are all connected to your specific vehicle. This is a sophisticated procedure that requires specialized tools and a thorough understanding of.
There are many ways to save money on replacement car keys. Comparing key prices and features will give you a a better idea of how much you will spend on new keys.
The year and model of your vehicle will have a major effect on the cost of your new replacement keys. Many newer vehicles have advanced transponder chips that require to be paired with the car by a dealer or auto locksmith this is a costly and time-consuming procedure.
Older cars and keys without transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. Additionally that you will often save money on new car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing a new key online.
You should consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in case they are lost. These devices attach to your keys and are simple to use using the smartphone app.
vehicle key replacement to keep in mind that misplacing or losing your keys to your car can be costly, and it's advisable to keep an extra key on hand at all times. If you don't own a spare key, check with your dealer to see whether they have a no-cost replacement program. This could be included in the warranty of your vehicle or an additional roadside assistance add-on. These programs can provide up to $400 worth of key replacement costs per year and are worth it for the peace of mind they provide.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. Therefore, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- which makes them costly to replace.
The type of key you own will also affect the cost of a replacement. Key fobs with standard locks are inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as durable as the newer models that have an additional layer of security. These have a special key head that has a tiny chip in it that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the key is legitimate. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't function even when the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps to make: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases the locksmith will have to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should be performed only by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be long and costly when they need to replace any other parts such as the housing that holds the chip.
You'll have to take your car to a dealer to have an ignition key programmed. This requires you to present proof of ownership such as the title or registration papers. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days for the dealer to order a new key for your vehicle and pair it with your current one.
Genesky says that he can cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he is forced to refuse customers with newer models because they don't have the high-priced equipment to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to find a local locksmith or dealer that provides a wide range of services that can be adapted to any kind of vehicle. This will save you money in the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect how much the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. The prices are higher in big cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel further to reach your location, which means higher prices.
Another factor that can affect the cost of replacing car keys is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of replacing a key will increase if you lose them during holidays or during the night. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key that you have can also affect the price. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys, or standard keys, while others are equipped with transponder chips, a key fob, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using higher-tech keys will be higher.
Certain of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could take up to about an hour or more, and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a standard one.
Older cars without transponder chips and standard keys will cost less to get an updated key. Standard key cutting usually only requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require that they be paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you have lost your keys and are unable locate them, you could contact the dealership where you bought your car from however that isn't always an option.
Based on your insurance policy, it may be possible to submit a claim to them to pay for the replacement key or key fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA may also be able of assistance, but they will likely only offer an entry level key and not the 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. This is a risk that all drivers have to face. It is important to plan for the cost of a new car key.
The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors. These include the year and model of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the key technology is and the security features that are included in the keys. It's also important to consider 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.
Traditional metal car keys that don't have transponder chips are much cheaper to replace. They can typically be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key must be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost you $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in many cars which communicate with the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are harder to copy and are designed to prevent theft. The cost of replacing keys like these can be as high as $500 or more.
You may also choose to have a tracker added to your keychain to assist you to locate it should you lose it. These are usually small devices that can be bought from most hardware stores, and can be used in conjunction with an app to monitor the location of your lost keys. While they can increase the cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and efficient solution for most 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 some time. Nowadays, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys is a hassle. But it doesn't have to be expensive to get you back behind the wheel.
