Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is a major expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the cheapest and easiest way to replace your car key. You can also get your keys copied at a specialist dealer, but they'll charge you more.
Year & Make a Vehicle
The days are long gone when a lost car key wasn't important. The keys of modern-day automobiles which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to purchase. Losing your smart key could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and begin the engine. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chips all linked to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and knowledge to master.
There are ways to save money on replacement keys for your vehicle. Comparing key prices and features will help you get a better idea of how much you will spend on new keys.
The year and the make of your car will have a major effect on the price of the new keys you purchase. Many newer vehicles have advanced transponder chips that require to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith this is a costly and time-consuming process.
It will be cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that do not contain transponder chips. You can also save money by purchasing online or utilizing a third party service to replace the keys to your car.
Consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event they are lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys, and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.
It's important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing your car keys can be costly, so it's recommended to keep an extra key in your vehicle at all times. If you don't have a spare, it's worth consulting your dealer to see if it offers a free key replacement program as part of your vehicle's warranty or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs will cover up to $400 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are well worth it for the peace of mind they provide.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and keys for cars may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. In this way, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to get a replacement. Standard key fobs are relatively cheap to duplicate, but they're not as durable as the 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 having 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 certain situations a locksmith may need to take apart the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should be performed only by a locksmith with special training. The process can be long and costly when they need to replace any other part including the housing that holds the chip.
For the most recent model automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle to a dealership to have a new key programed to your vehicle. You'll need to present evidence of ownership, such as your registration documents or title documents. Also, you'll need wait a few days until the dealer can order the new key for your vehicle and then pair it with your current one.
Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. However, he must deny customers who have the latest model cars because they don't have the high-priced equipment needed to program their keys. It is important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and offers a variety of services. This will ultimately help you save money in the long run when it comes to repairing and replacing your keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
When you live can impact how much the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. If you reside in a major city it is likely to be higher than if you live in a small town or rural region. This is because the service provider has to travel further to reach you and this translates into more expensive costs.
The date and time of the loss can also impact the cost. If you lose your keys during a holiday or at night this will increase the overall price. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The type of key you're using will also influence the cost. Some cars only have basic mechanical or standard keys, whereas others have transponder chips, key fob or smart key. The cost of replacing keys using modern technology will be higher.
Some of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could take an hour or more and is a reason why the cost is higher than for a basic key.
Older vehicles without transponder chips and standard keys will cost less to get an updated key. Standard key cutting usually only requires a look at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the vehicle.
A lot of keys require that they be paired with the vehicle’s computer in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, contact the dealership that you purchased your car from but that's not always an option.
You might be able to submit a claim for a replacement fob or key, based on your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA could be able assist you with this however they'll likely only give a simple key, not the more sophisticated technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience however it can also be an opportunity for someone else to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk all drivers face it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can budget for it.
There are several factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. The cost of replacement keys is affected by several aspects, including the year and model of your vehicle as well as the technology used in the key, and security features. It's also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA which could make a difference in the total cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional keys made of metal that don't have a transponder chip in them are much cheaper to replace. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. However, a newer smart key must be connected with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could cost as high as $200 or more.
Many cars are now equipped with keys that use radio frequency identification to communicate with the computer in your car. These keys are difficult to copy and are made to guard against theft. The cost of replacing keys of this kind can be as high as $500 or more.
You can also attach a tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These small devices can be bought at most hardware stores and utilized with an app that tracks your key that you lost. While they can increase the cost of replacing e keys, they can also be an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major issue and could have cost you money for a while. experienced of us today are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys can be a major issue. But it doesn't need to be costly to get back behind the wheel.