Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major hassle to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is a major expense.
The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also have your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they usually increase the cost.
Year & Make a Vehicle
Long gone are the days where a single lost car key wasn't such an issue. The keys of today's cars that are more sophisticated, are expensive to buy. In fact in the event that you lose your fob or smart key it could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices with circuitry, a battery and transponder chip that are all paired with the vehicle you have chosen. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. By comparing prices for keys and features prior to purchasing you will be better aware of the amount you can expect to spend on new keys.
The year and the make of your vehicle will have a significant impact on the cost of your new replacement keys. Many newer cars have transponder chips which need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive procedure.
It's cheaper to replace older cars and keys that do not have transponder chips. Additionally, you can often save money on new car keys by using a third-party service or purchasing a new key on the internet.
Consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event they go missing. These devices can be attached directly to your keys, and can be easily used with a smartphone application.
Remember that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can cost you money. It is best to always carry a spare. If you don't have an extra key, make contact with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the vehicle warranty or an additional roadside assistance option. These programs may cover replacement car key costs up to $400 per year. They are well worth the peace-of-mind they provide.
Technology Type
While keys to cars and remote controls may appear to be simple metal pieces, they are actually electronic devices in miniature form. Therefore, they're more complicated than they appear. This means they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you have will also influence the cost of replacing it. Standard key fobs are relatively inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as robust as the newer models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates to the car's computer. A duplicate key will not function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same grooves and ridges as the original. The keys are more expensive than traditional ones because they require two steps in laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some instances, the locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder to program it properly. This is a hazardous task that should only be performed by a specialized locksmith. If they are required to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses chips, the process could be lengthy and costly.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer to get a key programmed. You'll need to present evidence of ownership, such as your registration documents or title documents. You'll also need to wait until the dealer orders and pair a new key with your current key.
Genesky says he is able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for around $200-$250. However, he must refuse customers with latest model cars because they don't have the high-priced equipment needed to program their keys. It's important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and offers various services. This will save you money on the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your home can affect the price the locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace a key. If you live in a city that is large the costs are likely to be higher than if you live in an isolated town or rural area. This is because the service provider has to travel farther to get to your location, which means higher costs.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of car key replacement is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of a replacement key will be higher if lose them during the weekend or in the night. There is a chance that you will be charged extra for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to show up.
The type of key that you own can also impact the price. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, whereas others are equipped with transponder chips, key fob or smart key. Those keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Some of these high-tech keys require to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could take an hour or longer and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a basic one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that do not include transponder chips, will usually pay less for a new key. car key fob replacement near me 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 connected to the computer in the vehicle in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. If you have lost your keys and are unable find them, you can call the dealership you bought the car but that's not always an option.
You may be able make a claim for a replacement fob or key, based on the terms of your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies like AAA may be able to help with this as well but they'll probably only give a simple key, and not more advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk that all drivers face it's important to understand the cost of car key replacement to be able to budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors. These include the year and model of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is and the security features that are included in the keys. It's also important to decide whether you'd like to use an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA, which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing keys that have been lost.
It is cheaper to replace the traditional metal keys for cars without a transponder. 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 then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can cost up to $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in a variety of cars that communicate with the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. They can cost up to $500 or more.
You can also opt to have a tracker added to your keychain to assist you to locate it should you lose it. These are usually small devices that are available from most hardware stores, and they can be used with an app to monitor the location of your lost key. They can add to the cost of replacing e-keys however they are a cost-effective and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past the past, losing a set of keys to your car was an enormous inconvenience and could have put you out of pocket for some time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did in their day, and misplacing your keys can be a big hassle but it doesn't need to break the bank to return to driving.