Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is also a major expense.
The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also get your key cloned at an authorized dealer, but they'll charge more.
Year & Make a Car
The days when a lost car key was not a big issue are long gone. Keys for modern automobiles which are more sophisticated, are expensive to buy. The loss of your smart key could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips all linked to your specific vehicle. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are a variety of ways to save money on new car keys. By comparing key prices and features prior to purchasing you will be better aware of the amount you can expect to spend on new keys.
One of the main factors that can influence the cost of the replacement car keys is the year and model of the vehicle. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that must be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive procedure.
It will be cheaper to replace old cars and keys that don't contain transponder chips. Additionally that you will often save money on new car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing your new key on the internet.
You should consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in case they are lost. These devices can be attached to your keys and are simple to use with the smartphone app.
It's important to remember that losing or misplacing your keys to your car could be costly, so it's advisable to keep a spare in your vehicle at all times. If you don't have an extra, it's worth visiting your dealer to see if they have a free key replacement program as part of the warranty for your vehicle and roadside assistance additional add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs will provide up to $400 in key replacement costs per year and are well worth it for the assurance they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. In this way they have more to them than what's apparent -- and this makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also influence the cost of a replacement. Key fobs that are standard are inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as durable as modern models that include an additional layer of security. These keys come with a specific head with a chip which communicates with the car's computer. A duplicate key cannot function without the chip, even if it has the same grooves and ridges as the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional ones because they require two steps: laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some cases the locksmith might need to disassemble the transponder to programme it correctly. This is a risky job that should be handled only by a locksmith who is trained. The process can be very long and costly should they need to replace any other parts, including the housing that holds the chip.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer to have an ignition key programmed. It will be necessary to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title documents. You'll also need to wait until the dealer orders and match a new key to your existing key.
Genesky says that he can cut keys and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. However, he has to deny customers who have the latest model cars because there isn't the costly equipment needed to program keys for them. This is the reason it's essential to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that can provide many services that can be adapted to any kind of vehicle. This will save you money on the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your lost car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your home can affect the price the locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace the key. If you reside in a city that is large, the prices are likely to be higher than if you lived in rural or a small town region. This is because the service provider has to travel farther to get to your location, which means more expensive costs.
The date and time of the loss can also impact the cost. 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 can also affect the cost. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, keys fobs or smart keys. Keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Certain of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could take up to an hour or longer and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a basic one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that don't include transponder chips, will usually pay less for the purchase of a new key. Standard key cutting usually only requires a look at the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the car.
A lot of keys require that they are connected to the computer in the vehicle for unlocking the doors and start the engines. It is possible to contact the dealership where you purchased your car if you are in a position to locate your keys. However, this is not always the case.
You may be able submit an insurance claim to replace a fob or key, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. auto replacement key offering roadside assistance like AAA could be able assist you with this but they'll probably only provide a simple key, not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience however it can also be an opportunity for someone to take your car. This is a risk that all drivers are required to take. It is important to plan for the cost of a new car key.
There are a variety of factors that influence the cost of keys replacement. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the key technology is and the security features included in the keys. You should also consider whether you would like to make use of an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.
It is cheaper to replace traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in many cars which communicate with the vehicle's computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent 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 to help locate it in the event that you lose it. These are typically 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 key. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, but they are an affordable and effective option for most people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major issue and could have cost you money for a few days. Nowadays, however of us have more technology than our grandparents did back in their time, and losing your keys could be an enormous hassle but it doesn't need to break the bank to return to driving.