Cost of Replacement Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be a huge trouble. The cost of replacing them is also an expense of a major magnitude.
The most cost-effective and easiest method to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also request your key cloned at an authorized dealer, but they'll charge you more.
Year and Make a Car
Long gone are the days when a simple lost car key wasn't such important. Keys for modern automobiles that are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. In fact when you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices of a miniature size with a battery and circuitry, are paired with the vehicle. This is a sophisticated procedure that requires special tools and a thorough understanding of.
There are many ways to save money on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to purchasing, you can be more informed about how much to expect to spend on new keys.
One of the biggest factors that can determine the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and model of your car. Many newer cars have transponder chips which need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive procedure.
Older cars and keys with no transponder chips will be much more affordable to replace. In addition you could save money on new car keys by using a third-party service or buying your new key on the internet.
You might also think about buying a portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag that can help you locate your car keys if they get lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys, and can be easily used by using a smartphone app.
Remember that losing or misplacing keys to your car could cost you money. It is recommended to always carry a spare. If you don't have a spare key, check with your dealer if they offer a free replacement program. It could be a part of the vehicle warranty or as an additional roadside assistance add-on. These programs will pay for replacement car keys of up to $400 per year. They're worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. Therefore, there's a lot more to them than meets the eye and this makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key that you own will also affect the cost of replacing it. Key fobs of the standard type can be duplicated relatively cheaply however they aren't as durable as the latest models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique key head with a small chip that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the key is valid. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work even when the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. These keys are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps: cutting the laser and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases, the locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder to program it properly. This is a hazardous task that should be performed only by a locksmith who has specialized training. The process can be long and costly when they need to replace any other part such as the housing that holds the chip.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer in order to get an ignition key programmed. You'll need to present evidence of ownership like the registration papers or title documents. Also, you'll need to wait for the dealer to make an order and pair a new key with your current key.
Genesky says that he's able to program keys and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for between $200 and $250. However, he has to refuse customers with newer models because they don't have the high-priced equipment to program keys for them. This is why it's crucial to locate a local locksmith or dealer that can provide an array of services and can accommodate any kind of vehicle. This will save you money on the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect the price a locksmith or car dealer charges for key replacement. If you reside in a city that is large it is likely to be higher than if you lived in rural or a small town region. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel further to reach you and this translates into higher costs.
Another factor that can impact the cost of car key replacement is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of replacing a key is higher if you lose them on a holiday, or at night. There is a chance that you will be charged to cover the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to show up.
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, key fobs or smart keys. Keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.
Some of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could take about an hour or more, and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a standard one.
Older vehicles without transponder chips and standard keys will cost less to buy an updated key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is right for the car.
A lot of keys require that they are paired with the vehicle’s computer in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. It is possible to contact the dealership from which you bought your car if you're unable find your keys. However it isn't always possible.
You may be able to submit a claim for a replacement fob or key, based on your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA may be able to assist with this, although they will probably only offer a basic key, and not more advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives an individual the chance to rob your vehicle. While this is a risk all drivers face it's important to understand the cost of replacing the car keys to be able to budget for it.
There are a variety of factors that affect the cost of replacement keys. These include the year and make of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is and the security features that are included in the keys. It is also important to think about whether you'd like to use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA which could add to the overall cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional metal car keys which don't have transponder chips are much less expensive to replace. These can usually be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a newer smart key must be connected with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. auto car key replacement could cost you $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in many vehicles that connect to the vehicle's computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are much harder to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. The cost of replacing keys like these can be as high as $500 or more.
You can also opt to have a tracker added to your keychain in order to help locate it should you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores and can be used in conjunction with an app to track the location of your lost key. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, but they are an affordable and practical option for most people.
In the past, losing your car keys could be a major hassle and cost you money for a time. Nowadays, however of us have more technology than our grandparents did back in their day, and misplacing your keys could be an issue however, it doesn't have to cost you a fortune in order to get back behind the wheel.