Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge problem to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is also a major expense.
The most cost-effective and easiest method to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also have your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they usually increase the cost.
Year & Make of vehicle
The days when losing a car key was not a major issue are long gone. The keys of modern-day cars which are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. In fact when you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350.
Modern vehicles make use of electronic keys and fobs to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices in miniature size with a battery and circuitry, are paired with the vehicle. This is a difficult procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are many ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing prices for keys and features before you buy you will be better informed about how much to anticipate spending on new keys.
One of the most important factors that determine the cost of the replacement car keys is the year and the make of your vehicle. Most modern vehicles come with high-tech transponder chips that need to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith which is a costly and time-consuming process.
It is cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that do not have transponder chips. Additionally, you can often save money on car keys replacement through a third-party service or purchasing your new key online.
automotive key replacement may also want to look into buying a portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag which can assist you in finding your car keys if they get lost. These devices attach directly to your keys and can be used by using a smartphone app.
Keep in mind that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can cost you money. It is best to always have an extra. If you don't have a spare, it's worth checking with your dealership to see if it offers a free key replacement program as part of your warranty on your vehicle, roadside assistance extra add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs provide up to $400 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are well worth the peace of mind they provide.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. They're more complex than they appear. This makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also impact the cost of replacement. Key fobs of the standard type are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price however they aren't as durable as the latest models that have an additional layer of security. These have a special key head that has a tiny chip that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the authenticity of the key. Without the chip the duplicate key will not work even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. The keys are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps that include laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some instances, the locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder to programme it correctly. This is a risky job that should only be done by a locksmith who is trained. The process could be extremely time-consuming and expensive if they have to replace any other part, including the housing that holds the chip.
You'll have to take your car to a dealer to get an ignition key programmed. This will require you to show proof of ownership, like your registration or title papers. You'll also need to wait until the dealer orders and match a new key to your current key.
Genesky claims that he is able to cut keys and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. However, he is forced to turn away clients with the most recent models of cars since there isn't the costly equipment needed to program their keys. It is important to choose a local locksmith or dealership that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and offers various services. This will save you money on the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your keys to your car.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect the amount the locksmith or dealer will charge for key replacement. Prices are higher in larger cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider must travel further to reach you, which results in more expensive costs.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing car keys is the time and location you lose your keys. The cost of replacing a key will increase if you lose them during a holiday, or at night. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The type of key you're using can also impact the cost. Some cars only have basic mechanical or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, key fob, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys with more advanced technology will be higher.
Certain of these keys must be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take up to an hour or more and is another reason the cost will be higher than a standard key.
Older cars that do not have transponder chips or standard keys will cost less to get an updated key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a look at the cuts on the car's ignition or using a VIN number to determine the correct key for the vehicle.
A lot of keys require that they be connected to the car's computer in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. You can call the dealership that sold you your car if you are unable find your keys. However, this is not always feasible.
You may be able submit an insurance claim for a replacement fob or key, based on your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA might also be able to assist however, they'll likely provide a basic key and not the latest technology.
Security Features
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a risk all drivers are exposed to it's important to understand the cost of replacing the car keys to be able to budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors. The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the year and model of your car and the technology utilized in the key, and security features. It's also important to consider whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which could increase the cost of replacing a lost key.
It is cheaper to replace traditional metal keys for cars without a transponder. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. On the other hand, a smarter key must be connected with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
A lot of cars today have keys that use radio frequency identification to communicate with the computer in your car. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate, and they are designed to stop theft. The cost to replace keys of this kind could be as high as $500 or more.
You could also decide to add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it should you lose it. These are typically small devices that are available at most hardware stores and they can be used with an app that can track the whereabouts of your lost key. While they can add to the cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and put you out of money for a while. Most of us today have more technology than we did in the past, and so losing your keys can be a hassle. However, it doesn't have to be expensive to get you back on the road.