Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be an immense problem. And, the cost of replacing them can be a significant expense.
A call to an auto locksmith is the cheapest and easiest way to replace your car key. You can also have your keys copied by professional dealers, but they usually increase the cost.
Year & Make a Vehicle
Long gone are the days when a lost car key wasn't a big deal. The keys of today's cars which are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are electronic devices that have circuitry, a battery and transponder chips all linked to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complex procedure that requires special tools and a thorough understanding of.
There are many ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to purchasing you will be better informed about how much to expect to pay for your new keys.
The year and the make of your car will have a major effect on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Many modern cars come with transponder chips which need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly procedure.
Older cars and keys that do not have transponder chips are much cheaper to replace. You can save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace your car keys.
Consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event they go missing. These devices attach directly to your keys and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.
It's important to remember that misplacing or losing your keys to your car can be costly, so it's recommended to keep an extra key in your vehicle at all times. If you don't have an extra key, you should consider consulting your dealer to see if it offers an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of the warranty for your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs can cover up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year, and are well worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote controls may appear to be simple metal pieces, they're actually tiny electronic devices. As such, there's a lot more to them than meets the eye -- which makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key you're using also affects how much it will cost you to purchase the replacement. Standard key fobs are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price however they aren't as durable as the latest models with an extra layer of security. They have a unique head that has a chip that communicates to the car's computer. A duplicate key cannot work without the chip even having the same grooves and ridges as the original. These keys 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 some instances the locksmith may have to disassemble the transponder in order to set it up correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a locksmith who has specialized training. If they are required to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses chips, the process can be time-consuming and costly.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer in order to get an ignition key programmed. This requires you to present evidence of ownership, like the title or registration papers. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days for the dealer to order an additional key for your car and match it with the existing one.
Genesky says that he's able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for between $200 and $250. However, he is forced to refuse customers with newer models because there isn't the costly equipment to program keys for them. It is important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provides a variety of services. Ultimately, this will aid you in saving money in the end when it comes to fixing and replacing keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect how much the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. Prices are higher in large cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider must travel further to reach you, which results in higher cost.
Another factor that can affect the cost of car key replacement is the time and location you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night this will increase the total cost. There is a chance that you will be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to show up.
The type of key you're using will also affect the price. Some cars only have basic mechanical or standard keys, while others are equipped with a transponder chip, key fob or smart key. The cost of replacing keys with higher-tech keys will be higher.
Certain of these high-tech keys must be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. It could take up to about an hour or more, 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 an updated key. Standard key cutting typically only requires a look at the cuts on the ignition of the vehicle or using a VIN number to identify the correct key for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require that they be paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you've lost your keys and are unable locate them, you could try calling the car dealership you bought the car but that's not always an option.
You may be able make a claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA could also be able to assist however, they'll likely provide the basic key, and not the latest technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a major hassle however it can also be an opportunity for someone to steal your car. While this is a risk every driver faces it's crucial to know the cost of replacing your car keys to be able to budget for it.
There are many factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. These include the year and model of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is and the security features in the keys. It's also important to consider whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA which could make a difference in the total cost of replacing keys that have been lost.
It is much cheaper to replace traditional keys for cars without a transponder. They can be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Many cars now come with key fobs that use radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle's computer. automotive car key replacement are difficult to copy and are designed to prevent theft. The cost to replace these types of keys can be as high as $500 or more.
You could also add an RFID tracker to your keychain in case you misplace it. These are usually small devices that can be bought at most hardware stores and they can be used with an app that can track the whereabouts of your lost key. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys, however they are a cost-effective and practical option for most people.
In the past the past, losing a set of keys to your car was an enormous issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a short time. Today, however, most of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their day, and misplacing your keys is an issue but it doesn't need to cost you a fortune to get back behind the wheel.