Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is an immense hassle. Even worse, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
Contacting an auto locksmith is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also have your keys copied at an expert dealer, however they’ll charge you more.
Year & Make a Car
The days are long gone where a single lost car key wasn’t a big deal. Keys for modern cars which are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. Losing your smart keys could cost you as much as $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and local start the engine. Keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chip that are all linked to the vehicle you have chosen. This is a difficult process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are a variety of ways to save money on car keys replacement. By comparing key prices and features prior to purchasing you will be better informed about the price you can expect to pay for your new keys.
One of the most important factors that can affect the price of your replacement keys for car car keys is the year and make of the vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips which need to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly process.
Keys that are older and without transponder chips will be much more affordable to replace. Additionally, you can often save money on new car keys through a third-party service or purchasing your new key on the internet.
Consider buying a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event that they get lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys and can be used by using a smartphone app.
It’s important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing keys to your car can be costly, and it’s recommended to keep a spare with you at all times. If you don’t have a spare, it’s worth visiting your dealer to see if it offers the option of a key replacement program for free as part of your vehicle’s warranty or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs may cover replacement car key costs up to $400 per year. They are well worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
While keys to cars and remote controls might appear to be basic metal pieces, they’re actually electronic devices in miniature form. Therefore there’s more to them than what’s apparent — which makes them costly to replace.
The type of key you have will also influence the cost of a replacement. Standard key fobs are relatively inexpensive to duplicate, but they’re not as robust as the newer models that have an additional layer of security. They come with a specific key head that has a small chip in it that communicates with the car’s computer to ensure the key is legitimate. A duplicate key will not function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. They are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances, the locksmith may need to remove the transponder from its socket to program it properly. This is a dangerous job that should be performed only by a locksmith who has specialized training. The process can be very long and costly when they need to replace any other part including the housing that holds the chip.
You’ll need to take your vehicle to a dealer in order to get a key programmed. You will need to provide proof of ownership such as the registration papers or title documents. You’ll also have to wait for the dealer to make an order and connect a new key with your existing key.
Genesky says that he’s able to program keys and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he has to refuse customers with latest model cars because they don’t have the high-priced equipment needed to program keys for them. This is why it’s important to find a local locksmith or dealership that offers many services and can work with any kind of vehicle. This will save you money in the long run when it comes time to replace or repair your lost car keys.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect the price a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. If you live in a large city the costs are likely to be higher than if you lived in an isolated town or rural region. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel further to reach you, which results in higher prices.
The timing and location of the loss could be a factor in the price. The cost of replacing a key will be higher if lose them on holidays or at night. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician.
The type of key that you have can also affect the price. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others include transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using modern technology will be higher.
Some of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take up to an hour or more and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a basic one.
Those who have older cars with standard keys that do not contain transponder chips typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cut marks on the ignition of the vehicle or using the VIN number to determine the right key for the vehicle.
Most keys require that they be connected to the computer in the vehicle in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. If you’ve lost your keys and are unable to locate them, you could try calling the car dealership you bought your car from but that’s not always an option.
You may be able file an insurance claim to replace a key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA may also be able to assist, but they will likely only offer the basic key, and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience however, it also presents an opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk all drivers face it’s crucial to know the cost of car key replacement so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors. The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of aspects, including the year and model of your vehicle and the technology utilized in the key, local and the security features. It’s also important to consider whether you’d like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA, which can increase the cost of replacing the lost key.
Traditional keys made of metal which don’t have transponder chips are much less expensive to replace. They can typically be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in many cars that connect to the vehicle’s computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. The cost to replace keys like these could be as high as $500 or more.
You could also add an electronic tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These small devices can be bought at most hardware stores and used with an app to track your lost key. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys however they are a cost-effective and practical option for most people.
In the past having lost your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and put you out of money for a time. Most of us today are more technologically advanced than in the past, and so losing your keys can be an issue. However, it doesn’t have to be expensive to get you back on the road.