Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be an immense trouble. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
Calling car key replacement is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your keys copied by professional dealers, but they typically upcharge.
Year and Make of vehicle
The days of having a lost car key was not an issue are long gone. The keys of today's cars which are more sophisticated, are expensive to buy. Losing your smart key could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chip that are all connected to your specific vehicle. This is a sophisticated procedure that requires special tools and knowledge to master.
There are ways to save on replacement keys for your car. By comparing key prices and features prior to buying you will be better informed about how much to anticipate spending on new keys.
The year and the make of your car will have a major impact on the cost of your new replacement keys. Many modern cars come with transponder chips which need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive procedure.
Keys for older cars and vehicles that do not have transponder chips are more affordable to replace. In addition you could save money on new car keys through a third-party service or purchasing your new key on the internet.
You may also want to consider buying a portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag that will help you locate your car keys should they get lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys, and can be used with a smartphone application.
It's important to remember that misplacing or losing keys to your car can be costly, and it's best to have a spare on hand at all times. If you don't own an extra key, make contact with your dealer to see whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the warranty for your vehicle or an additional roadside assistance feature. These programs can provide replacement car keys of up to $400 per year. They're worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote controls might appear to be basic metal pieces, they are actually electronic devices in miniature form. Therefore, they're more complicated than they appear. This means they're costly to replace.
The type of key that you own will also affect the cost of replacement. Standard key fobs can be duplicated fairly cheaply however they aren't as durable as newer models with an extra layer of security. These have a special key head that has a small chip that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the authenticity of the key. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work, even when the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. These are much more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances, a locksmith will need to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a risky job that should only be carried out by a locksmith who has specialized training. The process could be extremely long and costly when they need to replace any other parts such as the housing that houses the chip.
You'll have to take your car to a dealer to have an ignition key programmed. This requires you to show proof of ownership like the title or registration papers. Also, you'll need wait a few days until the dealer can order an additional key for your vehicle and pair it with your current one.
Genesky says he can usually complete key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for about $200-$250. Genesky is forced to turn away customers who own the latest models of cars as they don't have the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. This is why it's crucial to find a locksmith in your area or dealership that offers many services that can be adapted to any type of vehicle. Ultimately, this will aid you in saving money in the end when it comes to repairing and replacing your keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect the price a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. If you reside in a large city the costs are likely to be more expensive than if you resided in rural or a small town area. This is because the service provider has to travel further to reach you, which means more expensive prices.
Another factor that can impact the cost of replacing car keys is when and where you lose your keys. If you lose your keys during a holiday or at night this will increase the overall price. You might also be charged additional for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to show up.
The type of key that you own can also impact the cost. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, keys fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys with higher-tech keys will be higher.
Some of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take an hour or more and is a reason why the cost is higher than a standard key.
Older vehicles without transponder chips or standard keys will cost less to get a new one. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cuts on the ignition of the car or using the VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Many of these key types require that they be paired with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and start the engine. If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, you could try calling the car dealership that you purchased the car however that isn't always an option.
Depending on your insurance policy It may be possible to file a claim with them to cover the cost of an alternative key or fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA could also be able to help however, they'll likely provide an entry level key and not the most advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a major hassle however, it also presents an opportunity for someone else to steal your car. While this is a risk that every driver faces, it's important to know the cost of replacing your car keys to be able to budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors. The cost of replacing keys is affected by several factors, including the year and model of your car, the technology used in the key, as well as the security features. You should also consider whether you'd prefer to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.
It is much less expensive to replace the traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. These can usually be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a smarter key has to be linked with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in many vehicles which communicate with the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. These keys can cost $500 or more.
You could also add an electronic tracker to your keychain in the event that you misplace it. These are typically 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 e-keys, however, they are a reasonable and effective option for most people.
In the past having lost your car keys could be a major issue and could have cost you money for a time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents had in their time, and losing your keys is an issue, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune to get back behind the wheel.