Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major hassle to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is also a major expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the cheapest and easiest way to replace your car key. You can also have your key copied by specialist dealers, but they typically increase the cost.
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The days when a lost car key was not a major problem are long gone. Nowadays, cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart keys could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chips that are all paired with your specific vehicle. This is a difficult process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. By comparing key prices and features prior to buying you will be more aware of the amount you can expect to pay for your new keys.
One of the biggest factors that can influence the cost of the replacement car keys is the year and model of the vehicle. A lot of newer cars have advanced transponder chips that require to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
Older cars and keys with no transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. You can also save money by buying online or using a third-party service to replace the keys to your car.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in case they get lost. These devices attach to your keys and are easy to use using the smartphone app.
Remember that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could cost you money. It is recommended to always have a spare. If you don't have a spare key, check with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the warranty for your vehicle or as an additional roadside assistance option. These programs can provide up to $400 worth of key replacement costs per year, and are well worth it for 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. They're more complicated than they appear. This means they're expensive to replace.
The kind of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to get an alternative. Key fobs of the standard type are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as the latest models with an extra layer of security. These have a special key head that has a tiny chip in it that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the authenticity of the key. A duplicate key won't function without the chip, even if it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps in cutting with lasers and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some cases a locksmith may need to take apart the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a locksmith with special training. The process can be very time-consuming and expensive when they need to replace any other parts such as the housing that holds the chip.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer to get a key programmed. You will need to provide proof of ownership such as the registration papers or title documents. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to make an order and connect a new key with your existing key.
Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he is forced to deny customers who have the newer models because there isn't the costly equipment to program their keys. It is essential to select a local locksmith or dealership that can handle any type of vehicle and provide various services. This will save you money on the long run when it's time to replace or repair your keys to your car.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect the price a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. The prices are higher in big cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel farther to get to you and this translates into higher costs.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing your car keys is when and where you lose your keys. If you lose your keys during a holiday or at night it can add to the overall price. There is a chance that you will be charged extra for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a service technician to show up.
The type of key you have can also affect the cost. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others are equipped with transponder chips, a key fob, or smart key. Those keys that 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 can take an hour or longer and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a basic one.
Older cars that do not have transponder chips or standard keys will cost less to buy a new key. Standard key cutting usually only requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the vehicle.
Most keys require that they are connected to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engines. You can call the dealership from which you bought your car if you are not able to locate your keys. However, this is not always feasible.
If your insurance policy is in place, it may be possible to make a claim to cover the cost of a replacement key or key fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA could be able help with this as well however they'll likely only offer a basic key, and not more advanced 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 danger that all drivers face, it's important to know the cost of car key replacement to be able to budget for it.
There are a variety of factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is and the security features in the keys. It's also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA which can increase the cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional metal car keys that don't come with transponder chips are a lot less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in many vehicles that connect to the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are specifically made to guard against theft. They can cost $500 or more.
You can also add an RFID tracker to your keychain in the event that you misplace it. These tiny devices are available at most hardware stores and used with an app that tracks the lost keys. They can increase the cost of replacing electronic keys, but they are an affordable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past when you lost your keys to your car was a major issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a short time. Today, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys is a major issue. But it doesn't have to be costly to get you back on the road.