Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big hassle to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
Contacting an auto locksmith is the cheapest and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also get your key cloned at an authorized dealer, but they'll charge you more.
Year and Make a Car
The days are long gone when a simple lost car key wasn't an issue. The keys of today's cars which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to buy. In fact, if you lose your smart key or fob it could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and begin the engine. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices of a miniature size with circuitry and batteries are connected to the vehicle. This is a complex process that requires special tools and knowledge to master.
There are many ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. Comparing key prices and features will give you a an idea of how much you'll pay for new keys.
One of the main factors that will influence the cost of your replacement car keys is the year and the make of your car. A lot of newer cars have advanced transponder chips that require to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
It is cheaper to replace older cars and keys that don't contain transponder chips. You can also save money by purchasing online or utilizing a third party service to replace the keys to your car.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in case they get lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are easy to use with a smartphone app.
Be aware that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could cost you money. It is best to always carry an extra. If you don't have an extra key, you should consider consulting your dealer to see if they have an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of your warranty on your vehicle, roadside assistance extra add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs can provide up to $400 worth of cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are worth it for the assurance they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. Therefore, they're more complicated than they appear. This makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also influence the cost of replacing it. Key fobs of the standard type can be duplicated relatively cheaply however they aren't as durable as modern models that come with an extra layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates to the car's computer. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work, even when the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. The keys are more expensive than conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps that include cutting the laser and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases, a locksmith will need to take apart the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a risky job that should only be performed by a locksmith who is trained. The process can be time-consuming and expensive when they need to replace other parts such as the housing that holds the chip.
For the most recent model cars, you'll need to bring your vehicle into the dealership to have an updated key programmed to your vehicle. This requires you to show proof of ownership such as the title or registration papers. Also, you'll need to wait for the dealer to order and pair a new key with the key you have already.
Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. He has to turn away customers who have the latest models of cars because he does not have the costly equipment required to program their keys. It's important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and provide various services. 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 the amount the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. Prices are higher in large cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider needs to travel further to get to your location, which means higher prices.
Another factor that can affect the cost of replacing your car keys is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of a replacement key will increase if you lose them on holidays or in the night. You might also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to show up.
car key replacement fob of key you're using can also impact the cost. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys, or standard keys, whereas others have transponder chips, key fob, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys with higher-tech keys will be more expensive.
Some of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This could 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 include transponder chips, will usually pay less for an entirely new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the car.
A lot of keys require that they are paired with the vehicle’s computer to open the doors and start the engines. If you have lost your keys and are unable to find them, you can call the dealership that you purchased your car from but that's not always an option.
You might be able to make a claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA may also be able of assistance however, they'll likely only offer a basic key and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives an individual the chance to rob your vehicle. While this is a risk that every driver faces, it's important to know the cost of car key replacement to ensure you have enough money for it.
The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors. The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the year and model of your vehicle as well as the technology used in the key, as well as the security features. It's also important to decide whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA, which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional metal car keys which don't have transponder chips are a lot less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated at 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 as high as $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in many cars that connect to the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. The cost to replace keys of this kind can be as high as $500 or more.
You may also choose to add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it in case you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be bought at most hardware stores and can be used with an app to track the location of your lost key. They can add to the cost of replacing e-keys however, they are a reasonable and practical option for most people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major hassle and cost you money for a time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did back in their day, and misplacing your keys could be a big hassle, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune to get back on the road.