Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It’s a major hassle to lose your car keys replacements keys. And, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also have your key copied by an expert dealer, however they’ll charge you more.
Year and Make a Car
Long gone are the days when a simple lost car key wasn’t such an issue. Modern cars are more sophisticated and their keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart keys could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices equipped with circuitry, a battery and transponder chip that are all paired with the vehicle you have chosen. This is a complicated procedure that requires specialized tools and training to master.
There are ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing prices for keys and features before you buy you will be better informed about how much to anticipate spending on new keys.
The year and make of your car will have a significant impact on the cost of your new replacement keys. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips which need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive process.
It is cheaper to replace old cars and keys that don’t have transponder chips. Additionally that you will often save money on new car key battery replacement keys through a third-party service or purchasing a new key online.
Consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car key replacement cost keys in case they get lost. These devices attach to your keys and are simple to use with a smartphone app.
It’s important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing your Car Key Button Replacement keys could be costly, so it’s best to have a spare on hand at all times. If you don’t own an extra key, you should check with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the warranty for your vehicle or as an additional roadside assistance add-on. These programs will provide up to $400 worth of key replacement costs per year and are well worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
Although keys for cars and remotes may appear to be simple metal objects, they’re actually tiny electronic devices. As such, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye and this makes them expensive to replace.
The kind of key you’re using also affects how much it will cost to get a replacement car key fobs. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated relatively cheaply however they aren’t as durable as modern models with an extra layer of security. These keys have a special head with a chip which communicates to the computer in the car. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional ones because they require two steps: laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some instances a locksmith may need 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 special training. The process can be very lengthy and costly if they have to replace any other part including the housing that houses the chip.
You’ll need to take your car to a dealer to have the key programmed. You will need to provide evidence of ownership like your registration documents or title documents. Also, you’ll need wait a few days for the dealer to order a new key for your vehicle and pair it with your current one.
Genesky says he can usually do the key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for around $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers with the latest models of cars as he does not have the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. This is why it’s crucial to find a local locksmith or dealership that offers many services and can accommodate any kind of vehicle. This will save you money in the long run when it comes time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your house can impact the price the locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace a key. If you reside in a large city the costs are likely to be higher than if you live in rural or a small town area. This is because the service provider needs to travel further to get to you, which results in more expensive costs.
The time and location of the loss can also impact the cost. The cost of a replacement key will increase if you lose them during a holiday, or at night. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The type of key that you have could also affect the price. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys, or standard keys, whereas others are equipped with a transponder chip, key fob, or smart keys. Keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Certain of these high-tech keys must be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take an hour or more of time and is a reason why the cost will be higher than for a basic key.
For those with older vehicles with standard keys that don’t have transponder chips will typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Standard key cutting typically only requires a look at the cuts on the car’s ignition or using the VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Most keys require that they are connected to the car’s computer in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. You can call the dealership where you purchased your vehicle if you are unable find your keys. However, this is not always the case.
You may be able submit an insurance claim to replace a fob or key, based on the terms of your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA may also be able to assist, but they will likely only provide the basic key, and not the latest 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. This is a danger that all drivers are required to take. It’s crucial to budget for the cost of a new car key.
The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors. These include the year and make of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is and the security features included in the keys. It’s also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA which can add to the overall cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional keys made of metal which don’t have a transponder chip in them are a lot less expensive to replace. 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 as high as $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in a variety of cars which communicate with the vehicle’s computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are harder to copy and are designed to stop theft. These keys can cost as much as $500 or more.
You can also opt to have a tracker added to your keychain to help locate it in case you lose it. These small devices can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores and are can be used with an app that tracks your lost key. While they may add to the overall cost of replacing e keys, they are an affordable and effective solution for most people.
In the past having lost your car key replacements keys could be a major issue and put you out of money for a time. Today, however, most of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their time, and losing your keys could be an issue but it doesn’t need to break the bank to get back behind the wheel.
