Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major trouble to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the most affordable and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also get your keys copied by professional dealers, but they often upcharge.
Year and Make a Car
Long gone are the days when a lost car key wasn't important. Today's cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive to replace. In fact when you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices of a miniature size with a battery and circuitry, are paired with the vehicle. This is a difficult procedure that requires specific tools and training.
There are key replacements for cars to save on replacement keys for your car. Comparing the prices of keys and features will give you a an idea of how much you'll have to pay for new keys.
One of the biggest factors that will influence the cost of your replacement car keys is the year and the 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 procedure.
Keys that are older and that do not have transponder chips are more affordable to replace. You can also save money by purchasing online or using a third-party service to replace your car keys.
You might also think about purchasing an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will assist you in finding your car keys should they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and can be easily used with a smartphone application.
It's important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing keys to your car can be costly, so it's best to have a spare in your vehicle at all times. If you don't have a spare key, check with your dealer to see whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be included in the warranty of your vehicle or an additional roadside assistance option. These programs can provide up to $400 in key replacement costs per year and are worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
Although keys for cars and remotes may appear to be simple metal pieces, they're actually miniature electronic devices. As such there's more to them than what's apparent -- and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also influence the cost of a replacement. Key fobs of the standard type are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as the latest models that have an additional layer of security. These keys have a special head with a chip which communicates to the computer in the car. Without the chip the duplicate key will not function even when the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps that include laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith may have to disassemble the transponder to program it properly. This is a risky job that should be handled only by a locksmith who is trained. The process could be extremely time-consuming and expensive should they need to replace any other parts including the housing that holds the chip.
For the most current model automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle into the dealership to have a new key programed to your vehicle. You'll need to present evidence of ownership like your registration documents or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days for the dealer to purchase the new key for your vehicle and then pair it with your current one.
Genesky says he is able to program keys and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for about $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers with the latest models of cars because there isn't the costly equipment required to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to locate a local locksmith or dealer that can provide a wide range of services that can be adapted to any type of vehicle. This will save you money in the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.
Where You Live
When you live can impact the amount a locksmith or car dealer charges for key replacement. If you live in a major city it is likely to be more expensive than if you resided in rural or a small town region. This is due to the fact that a service provider will travel farther to reach you, which means greater prices.
The time and location of the loss could also affect the cost. The cost of replacing a key will increase if you lose them on holidays or in the night. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician to arrive.
The kind of key you own will also affect the price. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys, or standard keys, whereas others have transponder chips, a key fob or smart key. The cost of replacing keys with more advanced technology will be more expensive.
Certain of these keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could take about an hour or more, and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a standard one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that do not include transponder chips, will usually pay less for a new key. Standard key cutting typically only requires a look at the cuts on the car's ignition or using a VIN number to identify the right key for the vehicle.
Most keys require that they are connected to the car's computer in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. It is possible to contact the dealership where you purchased your car if you're unable find your keys. However it's not always the case.
Based on your insurance policy, it may be possible to make a claim to cover the cost of the replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA could also be able of assistance but they'll provide the basic key, and not the most advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience, but it's also an opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk that all drivers are exposed to, it's important to know the cost of replacing the car keys to be able to budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is and the security features included in the keys. It is also important to consider whether you would like to make use of an emergency roadside service, like AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing your lost key.
Traditional keys made of metal that don't come with a transponder chip in them are a lot less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key must be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost up to $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in many cars that connect to the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are more difficult to duplicate, and they are designed to guard against theft. Keys can cost as much as $500 or more.
You may also choose to add a tracker to your keychain to assist you to locate it in the event that you lose it. These tiny devices are available at most hardware stores and used with an app to track the lost keys. While they can add to the cost of replacing keys, they can also be an affordable and efficient solution for most people.
In the past having lost your car keys could be a major hassle and could have cost you money for a while. Today, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys is an issue. But it doesn't need to be costly to get back on the road.