Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major problem to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the cheapest and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your keys copied by professional dealers, but they often charge extra.
Year & Make of Vehicle
It's been a long time since when a lost car key wasn't an issue. The keys of today's cars that are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. In fact when you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
This is because modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in miniature size with circuitry and a battery, are paired with the vehicle. This is a sophisticated process that requires special tools and a thorough understanding of.
There are many ways to save money on new car keys. By comparing prices for keys and features prior to purchasing, you can be more informed about the price you can anticipate spending on new keys.
One of the most important factors that affect the price of replacement keys for your car is the year and make of your vehicle. Many modern cars come with transponder chips which need to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly procedure.
It's 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 keys to your car.
You may also want to look into buying a portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that can help you locate your car keys should they get lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys and are easily accessible with a smartphone application.
Remember that losing or misplacing keys to your car could be expensive. It is recommended to always carry a spare. If auto key replacement don't have an extra key, make contact with your dealer whether they have a no-cost replacement program. This could be part of the vehicle warranty, or as an extra roadside assistance add-on. These programs can provide replacement car keys that can be as high as $400 per year. They are well worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote controls may appear to be ordinary metal pieces, they're actually electronic devices in miniature form. Therefore they have more to them than meets the eye -- which makes them costly to replace.
The type of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to purchase an alternative. Standard key fobs are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as the latest models that have an additional layer of security. These have a special key head that has a tiny chip inside that communicates with the car's computer system to ensure the key is legitimate. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work, even when the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. The keys are more expensive than conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps that include cutting the laser and programming the key to your vehicle.
In certain situations the locksmith will have to remove the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a locksmith with specialized training. If they need to replace other components such as the housing that holds chips, the process could be lengthy and costly.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer to get an ignition key programmed. This requires you to show proof of ownership, like your registration or title papers. Also, you'll need wait a few days for the dealer to order a new key for your vehicle and then pair it with your current one.
Genesky says he's able to cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he has to turn away clients with the newer models because he doesn't have the expensive equipment to program keys for them. This is the reason it's essential to locate a local locksmith or dealer that provides a wide range of services and can work with any type of vehicle. In the end, this will save you money in the long run in the process of repairing and replacing lost or stolen car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your house can affect the price a locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace a key. The prices are higher in big cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because a service provider will travel further to reach you, which means more expensive prices.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing car keys is the time and location you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night, it will add to the overall price. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician.
The type of key you have can also impact the cost. Some cars only have basic mechanical or standard keys, whereas others have a transponder chip, key fob or smart keys. Keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Some of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take about an hour or more, and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a basic one.
Older vehicles without transponder chips and standard keys will cost less to buy a new key. Standard key cutting typically only requires a look at the cuts on the ignition of the car or using the VIN number to determine the correct key for the vehicle.
Many of these key types require that they be paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and start the engine. You can contact the dealership that sold you your car if you're in a position to locate your keys. However it isn't always the case.
Based on your insurance policy It may be possible to submit a claim to them to pay for the replacement key or key fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA might be able to assist you with this however they'll likely only provide a simple key and not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience however, it also presents an opportunity for someone else to take your car. While this is a risk that all drivers are exposed to it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of factors. The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of aspects, including the year and model of your car as well as the technology used in the key, and the security features. It is also important to consider whether you'd like to make use of an emergency roadside assistance program, such as AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing the key you lost.
It is much cheaper to replace traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. However, a newer smart key has to be linked with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could cost you $200 or more.
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to communicate with the computer in your car. These keys are more difficult to copy, and they are designed to stop theft. They can cost $500 or more.
You can also attach an RFID tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These are usually small devices that can be purchased at most 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, however, they are a reasonable and effective option for most people.
In the past the past, losing a set of car keys was a big issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a short time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us have more technology than our grandparents had in their time, and losing your keys could be an issue but it doesn't need to cost you a fortune to return to driving.