Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge trouble to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also get your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they usually upcharge.
Year & Make of Vehicle
The days are long gone where a single lost car key wasn't a big deal. Today's cars are more advanced and their keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart key could cost you as much as $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs are electronic devices equipped with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips all connected to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complex process that requires special tools and knowledge to master.
There are many ways to save money on replacement car keys. Comparing prices and features of keys can help you to get a better idea of how much you will spend on new keys.
One of the biggest factors that will determine the cost of the replacement car keys is the year and the make of the vehicle. Many newer cars have transponder chips that must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly procedure.
It is cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that do not have transponder chips. Additionally, you can often save money on replacement car keys by using a third-party service or buying your new key on the internet.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event that they go missing. These devices are attached directly to your keys, and can be easily used with a smartphone application.
Be aware that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can be costly. It is best to always carry an extra. If you don't have a spare, it's worth consulting your dealer to see if it offers a free key replacement program 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 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are well worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniscule electronic devices. Therefore, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- and this makes them costly to replace.
car key replacements of key you have will also influence the cost of a replacement. Key fobs of the standard type can be duplicated fairly cheaply however they aren't as durable as the latest models that come 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 verify that the authenticity of the key. A duplicate key won't work without the chip even if it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In certain situations the locksmith might need to disassemble the transponder to programme it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be carried out by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be very time-consuming and expensive when they need to replace other parts including the housing that houses the chip.
You'll need to take your vehicle to a dealer to get an ignition key programmed. This requires you to show proof of ownership such as your registration or title papers. Also, you'll need 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's able to cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he has to deny customers who have the latest model cars because he doesn't have the expensive equipment to program keys for them. This is why it's crucial to find a local locksmith or dealer that provides many services that can be adapted to any kind of vehicle. This will save you money on the long run when it comes time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
When you live can impact the price a locksmith or car dealer charges for key replacement. The prices are higher in big cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider has to travel farther to get to your location, which means higher costs.
The time and location of the loss could also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on an evening or on a holiday, it will add to the total cost. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician.
The type of key you have can also affect the cost. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others include transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. Those keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Certain of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could take an hour or longer and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a basic one.
Those who have older cars with standard keys that do not have transponder chips will typically pay less for a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a look at the cuts on the ignition of the vehicle or using the VIN number to determine the correct key for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require pairing with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and start the engine. If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, you could call the dealership that you purchased your car, but that is not always an option.
Based on your insurance policy depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to make a claim to pay for a replacement key or key fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA may also be able to help, but they will likely only offer a basic key and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys, but it also gives thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a danger that every driver faces, it's important to know the cost of car key replacement so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of factors. The cost of replacement keys is affected by several aspects, including the year and model of your car and the technology utilized in the key, and the security features. You should also consider whether you'd prefer to utilize an emergency roadside service, such as AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
It is cheaper to replace traditional metal car keys without a transponder. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost as high as $200 or more.
Many cars now come with keys that use radio frequency identification to communicate with your vehicle's computer. They are more difficult to duplicate and are specifically designed to stop theft. The cost to replace keys like these could be up to $500 or more.
You may also choose to add a tracker to your keychain to assist you to locate it in case you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be purchased at most hardware stores and they can be used in conjunction with an app that can track the location of your lost keys. They can increase the cost of replacing electronic keys, however they are a cost-effective and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past having lost your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and put you out of 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 can be an enormous hassle but it doesn't need to cost you a fortune in order to get back on the road.