Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be a huge problem. The cost of replacing them is an enormous expense.
A call to an auto locksmith is the cheapest and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also have your key copied by specialist dealers, but they often charge extra.
Year & Make of Vehicle
The days when losing a car key was not a major issue are long gone. Modern cars are more sophisticated and their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact, if you lose your smart key or fob it could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices in tiny size, with circuitry and batteries, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complicated process that requires specialized tools and training.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on new car keys. By comparing prices for keys and features prior to buying you will be better aware of the amount you can expect to spend on new keys.
One of the most important factors that can influence the cost of your replacement car keys is the year and the make of the vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips that need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive process.
It will be cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that don't have transponder chips. Additionally that you will often save money on replacement car keys by using a third-party service or buying your new key online.
Consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event they go missing. These devices are attached to your keys and are easy to use with an app for smartphones.
Keep in mind that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can cost you money. It is best to always have a spare. If you don't have an extra, it's worth checking with your dealership to see if it offers a free key replacement program as part of your warranty on your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs can pay for replacement car keys that can be as high as $400 per year. They're well worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
Although car keys and remote controls might appear to be basic metal pieces, they are actually electronic devices in miniature form. Therefore there's more to them than what's apparent -- which is why they're expensive to replace.
The kind of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to purchase an alternative. Standard key fobs are relatively cheap to duplicate, but they're not as robust as the modern models that include an additional layer of security. They have a unique key head that has a tiny chip in it that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the authenticity of the key. Without the chip the duplicate key will not work even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. Keys 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 certain situations, a locksmith will need to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a professional locksmith. The process could be extremely long and costly when they need to replace other parts such as the housing that holds the chip.
For the most current model cars, you'll need to bring your vehicle into an auto dealer to get an updated key programmed to your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of ownership such as your registration documents or title documents. In addition, you'll have to wait a few days until the dealer can order the new key for your vehicle and then pair it with the existing one.
Genesky says he's able to cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. Genesky is forced to turn away customers who own the most recent models of cars since there isn't the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to locate a local locksmith or dealership that offers an array of services and can work with any type of vehicle. This will ultimately save you money over the long term when it comes to fixing and replacing your lost or stolen car keys.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect how much the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. If you live in a city that is large it is likely to be higher than if you live in rural or a small town region. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel further to get to you, which results in higher costs.
Info and location of the loss could also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night this will increase the overall price. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician to arrive.
The type of key you have could also affect the price. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys, or standard keys, while others are equipped with transponder chips, a key fob 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 dealer. This can take up to an hour or more of time and is a reason why the cost is more expensive than a basic key.
Those who have older cars with standard keys that do not include transponder chips, will usually pay less for the purchase of a new key. Standard key cutting usually requires reading the cuts on the ignition of the car or using the VIN number to determine the correct key for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require pairing with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you lost your keys and are unable to locate them, call the dealership where you bought the car, but that is not always an option.
You might be able to make a claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA might be able to assist you with this however they'll likely only give a simple key and not the more sophisticated technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience however it can also be an opportunity for someone to steal your car. While this is a risk that all drivers face it's crucial to know the cost of car key replacement so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors. The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of factors, including the year and model of your vehicle, the technology used in the key, as well as the security features. It is also important to think about whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA which could increase the cost of replacing the lost key.
It is cheaper to replace the traditional metal car keys without a transponder. They can be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a newer smart key has to be linked with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to communicate with the computer in your car. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate, and they are designed to stop theft. The cost of replacing these types of keys can be up to $500 or more.
You may also choose to add a tracker to your keychain to assist you to locate it should you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores and they can be used in conjunction with an app that can track the location of your lost keys. While they may add to the overall cost of replacing e keys, they can also be an affordable and efficient solution for most people.
In the past, losing a set of keys to your car was an enormous inconvenience and could have put you out of pocket for a short time. Most of us today have more technology than we did in the past, so losing your keys can be a major issue. However, it doesn't have to be costly to get you back behind the wheel.