Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge problem to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is also an enormous expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the most affordable and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also have your keys copied by professional dealers, but they often upcharge.
Year & Make a Vehicle
The days of having a lost car key was not an problem are long gone. Nowadays, cars are more advanced, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices with circuitry, a battery and transponder chip that are all connected to your specific vehicle. This is a sophisticated process that requires special tools and a thorough understanding of.
There are many ways to save on replacement keys for your car. Comparing prices and features of keys will give you a an idea of how much you'll spend on new keys.
One of the biggest factors that can affect the price of the replacement car keys is the year and the make of your car. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips that need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive process.
Keys for older cars and vehicles that do not have transponder chips are more affordable to replace. Additionally you could save money on replacement car keys by using a third-party service or buying your new key on the internet.
You might also look into purchasing an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will aid you in finding your car keys should they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and are easily accessible 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 recommended to always carry a spare. If you don't own an extra key, make contact with your dealer to find out whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the warranty for your vehicle, or as an extra roadside assistance feature. These programs can cover replacement car key costs of up to $400 per year. They are well worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote controls may appear to be simple metal pieces, they're actually miniature electronic devices. Therefore they have more to them than what's apparent -- and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you own will also affect the cost of replacement. Standard key fobs can be duplicated fairly cheaply, but are not as durable as the latest models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates with the car's computer. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work, even when the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps in cutting with lasers and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases, the locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder to program it properly. auto car key replacement is a dangerous job that should only be carried out by a locksmith who has specialized training. The process could be extremely lengthy and costly when they need to replace any other parts including the housing that holds the chip.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer in order to get a key programmed. You will need to provide proof of ownership such as your registration documents or title documents. 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 with older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who have the most recent models of cars since they don't have the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. It's important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith who can deal with any kind of vehicle and provide a variety of services. This will ultimately 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 price a locksmith or car dealer charges for key replacement. Prices are higher in larger cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider has to travel further to reach you, which results in higher prices.
Another factor that can impact the cost of car key replacement is when and where you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night, it will add to the overall price. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician.
The type of key you have could also affect the cost. Some cars only have basic mechanical or standard keys, whereas others are equipped with transponder chips, a key fob, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using higher-tech keys will be higher.
Some of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take an hour or more and is another reason why the cost is more expensive than a basic key.
Older cars without transponder chips or standard keys will cost less to buy a new one. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is suitable for the car.
Many of these keys require that they be paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and start the engine. If you lost your keys and are unable to locate them, you could try calling the car dealership where you bought your car, but that is not always an option.
You may be able to make an insurance claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA might be able to assist with this, although they will probably only give a simple key, not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives an individual the chance to rob your vehicle. While this is a risk every driver faces it's crucial to know the cost of car key replacement to be able to budget for it.
The cost of replacing keys is affected by several factors. This includes the year and model of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the technology used to make keys is, and the security features included in the keys. It is also important to think about whether you'd like to use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA which could add to the overall cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional metal car keys which don't have a transponder chip in them are much less expensive to replace. They can typically be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost you $200 or more.
A lot of cars today have key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to communicate with the computer in your car. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are specifically designed to prevent theft. They can cost $500 or more.
You can also attach a tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These are usually small devices that are available from a variety of hardware stores and they can be used in conjunction with an app to monitor the location of your lost keys. While they can add to the cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and effective solution for most people.
In the past, losing your car keys could be a major hassle and could have cost you money for a time. Today, however, most of us have more technology than our grandparents had in their time, and losing your keys could be a big hassle however, it doesn't have to cost you a fortune to return to driving.