Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is a huge trouble. The cost of replacing them is an enormous expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also get your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they often charge extra.
Year & Make of Vehicle
The days when a lost car key was not an issue are long gone. Modern cars are more sophisticated and 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 to unlock doors and start the engine. The keys and fobs are electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chips all connected to your specific vehicle. This is a complicated process that requires special tools and training to master.
There are many ways to save money on new car keys. Comparing prices and features of keys will help you get a better idea of how much you will pay for new keys.
One of the main factors that will determine the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and model of your car. A lot of newer cars have advanced transponder chips that require to be paired with the car by a dealer or auto locksmith which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Keys that are older and that do not have transponder chips are much more affordable to replace. You can also save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace keys to your car.
You may also want to think about buying an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will help you locate your car keys should they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.
It's important to keep in mind that losing or misplacing keys to your car can be costly, so it's advisable to keep an extra key on hand at all times. If you don't have an extra, it's worth visiting your dealer to find out if they offer the option of a key replacement program for free as part of the warranty for your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs cover up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year, and are well worth the assurance they offer.
Technology Type
Although keys for cars and remotes may appear to be ordinary metal objects, they're actually electronic devices in miniature form. As such there's more to them than meets the eye and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost of replacing it. Standard key fobs are relatively cheap to duplicate, but they're not as robust as the newer models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates to the car's computer. A duplicate key will not function without the chip, even in the event that it has 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: cutting the laser and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith might need to remove the transponder from its socket to programme it correctly. This is a risky job that should be handled only by a specialized locksmith. The process can be very long and costly if they have to replace any other parts including the housing that holds the chip.
For the most recent models of automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle into a dealership to have a new key programmed to your vehicle. This will require you to present evidence of ownership, like your registration or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days for the dealer to order the new key for your vehicle and then pair it with the existing one.
Genesky says he is able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for about $200-$250. However, he has to deny customers who have the latest model cars because there isn't the costly equipment to program their keys. It's important to choose a local locksmith or dealership that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provide a variety of services. This will help you save money in the long run when it's time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.
Where You Live
The location of your home can affect the price that a locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace keys. The prices are higher in big cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel further to get to you, which results in more expensive costs.
Another factor that can affect the cost of car key replacement is when and where you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on an evening or on a holiday, it will add to the total cost. You might also be charged additional for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a service technician to show up.
The type of key you have can also affect the price. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others include transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. Keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Certain of these high-tech keys require programming by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take an hour or more of time and is a reason why the cost will be more expensive than a basic key.
Those who have older cars with standard keys that don't contain transponder chips typically pay less for a new key. Standard key cutting usually only requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is suitable for the car.
Many of these key types require that they be paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you have lost your keys and are unable find them, you can call the dealership where you bought your car however that isn't always an option.
You may be able to file a claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA could be able assist with this, although they will probably only provide a simple key, and not more sophisticated technology.
Security Features
The loss of your car keys can be a major hassle however, it also presents 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 to be able to budget for it.
There are many 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. It's also important to consider whether you'd like to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing the lost key.
It is much less expensive to replace traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a smarter key has to be linked with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. It could cost you $200 or more.
A lot of cars today have key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to communicate with your vehicle's computer. These keys are harder to copy and are designed to prevent theft. They can cost up to $500 or more.
automotive key replacement could also add an RFID tracker to your keychain in case you misplace it. These small devices can be purchased at most hardware stores and utilized with an app that tracks the lost keys. They can add to the cost of replacing e-keys but they are an affordable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing your car keys could be a major hassle and put you out of money for a few days. Nowadays, however of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did in their day, and misplacing your keys can be an issue but it doesn't need to cost you a fortune to get back behind the wheel.