Car Key Replacement Cost
Replacing your car keys could be costly. In some instances you can have the procedure covered by a key protection plan which is typically available as an add-on or as part of your insurance policy.
The cost of replacing your car keys can vary dependent on the year the model, make and year of your car. In this article we will look at the factors that influence the cost of replacement car keys.
What is the make and model of your vehicle?
Losing keys to your car is an issue however, it's even more so when you don't have a spare. In the majority of cases, when you want to get back in your car you'll need a fresh set of keys. However, the key for your car replacement cost can differ significantly depending on your specific vehicle. Modern automobiles come with a wide array of features that can increase the cost of replacing your keys. For example, sports cars with high performance often have specialized keys that can be expensive to duplicate.
Additionally older mechanical key systems also tend to be more expensive to replicate because they require dealer knowledge to operate. It's important that you know the make and model of your vehicle prior to asking for a quote from an auto dealership or locksmith. Then, you can obtain a fair price estimate.
The complexity of your key system will also influence the cost. Modern key fobs, for instance, contain a circuit and battery that makes them more difficult to replace than earlier car keys.
Some car owners visit the dealer to duplicate their vehicle keys as they believe it's cheaper. The dealership is likely to charge a premium price for their services. This is because the dealership's main objective is to generate profit from their customers.
You might want to think about employing a third-party company to replace your car keys if cannot afford to do so at the dealership. They may be able to provide a lower price than the dealership and they will probably have a more knowledgeable team to assist you with any key replacement requirements.
It's also worth noting that you should avoid going to hardware stores or other third-party companies to have duplicate keys for your car. They lack the knowledge to accurately duplicate your car keys. They are also more likely not to make a substandard replacement or alter the original key.
The Automotive Locksmith You Use
It's a hassle that nobody wants. car key replacement is a situation that can occur at the worst time possible, such as when you're in a hurry to attend an important occasion or meeting. If you're looking for a fast and cost-effective solution, you should call an auto locksmith instead of going to the dealership.
Car keys and FOBs have circuitry and transponder chip that must be programmed to allow the start of the car. In the past the chips were placed in the cylinder for ignition however, as technology improved and the chips were repositioned, they were placed on the key fobs. This made the key fobs more secure and harder to duplicate However, it also increased the costs of repairs and replacements due to the fact that the new key fobs had to be programmed by an automotive locksmith or dealer in order to function.
Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths have adapted and are able to deal with these modern systems. They can program new FOBs to work with your vehicle, or remove the old ones if they do not work. The cost will vary depending on the year of your car and make, as well as the model.
The kind of key you require also affects the cost. There are two kinds of car keys that most automobiles have: a conventional metal key that's not connected to a fob or any other electrical component and a remote FOB that controls the ignition and opens/unlocks the doors. The former is the easiest to replace, as it doesn't require programming and can be cut by an auto locksmith using the blank.
It is more expensive to replace the transponder keys because it's required to unlock the car. This is the reason it's crucial to only use a reputable automotive locksmith when you require a new one for your car. If you try to do it yourself, or make use of tools such as coat hangers, you could harm the lock and the key will not function.
What type of key do you require?
There are many different types of car keys. Some are mechanical and have to be inserted into the ignition cylinder, while others include a transponder and can unlock doors or start the engine from some distance. The keys with transponders are more expensive to replace, because it requires a professional to program it to your specific vehicle. Locksmiths have been able to adapt the new technology so that you do not have to go to a dealership to get these keys.
Having your keys stolen or lost is never fun However, the situation gets much more stressful when you discover that you don't have a way to start your car and you have no place to go. In the past, this wasn't a problem since you could obtain a replacement key from any hardware store, or your car dealership. With the advancement of security methods and the ease with which a car is stolen via remote control, finding a solution is not as simple.
You can search online for your keys or call the dealer. However this isn't always an option. Most dealers are capable of making a replacement key for your car after you bring it in and they'll charge you for this service. It's also worth looking into whether the cost of replacing the key is covered by your warranty, roadside assistance or bumper-to-bumper insurance.
If you own a traditional mechanical key, it's relatively affordable to replace it if just require an additional one. The majority of locksmiths in the automotive industry will be able to duplicate these for under $10, though you may have to pay more for older models that do not make use of transponder chips.
The dealership is the most expensive method to get a new car key. If you own the original key it's the best alternative. Otherwise, it's not worth the hassle - especially if the cost is covered by your insurance. If you choose to go down this route, make sure to shop around for estimates and compare them between the dealership and key specialists.
The Location
Car keys are electronic devices with batteries and circuitry. They also come with a transmitter which transmits a number to the car to open its doors and then start the engine. They can be costly to replace in the event you lose or break them. The cost of a key is typically not very much, but the work required to cut and program the new one for your specific car is what adds up. The cost of a new car key can differ greatly based on the complexity, type, and the dealer.
The location of your house can affect the cost of the new car key. If you reside in rural areas, there may be fewer locksmiths at the auto shop to assist you. This means that you'll need to pay more for their services because they'll have to travel further distances to reach you. If you live in Chicago there are many options for automotive locksmiths. You can choose a locksmith that is priced competitively.
In some cases, it is possible to save money on a new car key by changing the battery in your key fob for your car. Most people can do this if they follow the owner's manual of their vehicle. Certain car key companies perform this service for free. However, it's best to check the warranty of your car before doing so.
If you've lost your car keys and you don't have a spare option, the best thing you can do is to go to a local dealership and get an alternative that matches your car. This is the most expensive option but it is also the most reliable. If you can prove you are the owner of the vehicle by providing them the original registration or title, they should be able to generate a new key for you immediately.