Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge hassle to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
Contacting an auto locksmith is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also have your keys copied at an authorized dealer, but they will charge you more.
Year & Make a Vehicle
Long gone are the days where a single lost car key wasn't such an issue. Modern cars are more sophisticated, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact when you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices of a tiny size, with a battery and circuitry are connected to the vehicle. This is a complex process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are ways to save on replacement keys for your car. Comparing prices and features of keys can help you to get an idea of much you'll have to pay for new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a major effect on the price of your new replacement keys. Many newer vehicles have high-tech transponder chips that have to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
Keys that are older and with no transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. Additionally that you will often save money on new car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing a new key on the internet.
You might also consider buying an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will aid you in finding your car keys in case they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and can be used by using a smartphone app.
It's important to remember that losing or misplacing keys to your car can be costly, and it's recommended to keep an extra set of keys in your vehicle at all times. If you don't have an extra key, make contact with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be included in the warranty of your vehicle or an additional roadside assistance feature. These programs will cover up to $400 in key replacement costs per year and are worth it for the assurance they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs may look like simple pieces of metal, 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 impact the cost of a replacement. Key fobs with standard locks are inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as robust as the modern models that include an additional layer of security. These keys have a special head with a chip that communicates with the car's computer. A duplicate key won't work without the chip even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. G28CarKeys with chips are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps in laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some cases, a locksmith will need to remove the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be carried out by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be long and costly when they need to replace any other part including the housing that holds the chip.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer to have an ignition key programmed. This requires you to provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title documents. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to order and match a new key to the key you have already.
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 must turn away clients with the newer models because he doesn't have the expensive equipment needed to program keys for them. It's important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith who can deal with any kind of vehicle and provides a variety of services. Ultimately, this will help you save money in the end when it comes to fixing and replacing your keys to your car that have been stolen or lost.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect the amount a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. If you reside in a large city it is likely to be higher than if you live in rural or a small town area. This is due to the fact that a service provider must travel further to reach you, which results in greater cost.
The timing and location of the loss may also impact the cost. The cost of a replacement key will be higher if lose them during a holiday, or at night. You might also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a service technician to arrive.
The type of key you have could also affect the price. Some cars only have basic mechanical or standard keys, whereas others are equipped with transponder chips, a key fob or smart key. 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 up to an hour or more and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a basic one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that don't contain transponder chips typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Standard key cutting usually requires a look at the cuts on the car's ignition or using a VIN number to determine the right key for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require that they are paired with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and then start the engine. It is possible to contact the dealership where you purchased your car if you are unable find your keys. However it's not always possible.
You may be able file an insurance claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA might be able to help with this as well however they'll likely only offer a basic key, not the more sophisticated technology.
Security Features
It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a danger that all drivers are exposed to, it's important to know the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors. The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors, such as the year and model of your vehicle and the technology utilized in the key, as well as the security features. It is also important to consider whether you would like to make use of an emergency roadside assistance program, like AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing your lost key.
Traditional car keys made of metal that don't have a transponder chip in them are much less expensive to replace. They can be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. However the latest smart key needs to be paired with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Many cars now come with keys that use radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle's computer. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are specifically designed to stop theft. The cost of replacing keys like these could be up to $500 or more.
You could also decide to add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it in case you lose it. These tiny devices can be purchased at many hardware stores and can be used with an app to track your key that you lost. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, however, they are a reasonable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing a set of keys to your car was an enormous hassle and could have left you out of pocket for a period of time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us have more technology than our grandparents did back in their time, and losing your keys is a big hassle however, it doesn't have to break the bank to get back on the road.