Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is a huge trouble. And, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also get your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they often increase the cost.
Year and Make of the Vehicle
The days when losing a car key was not a big issue are long gone. The keys of today's automobiles that are more sophisticated, are expensive to buy. Losing your smart keys could cost you as much as $350.
This is because modern cars utilize electronic keys and fobs to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny sizes, with circuitry and a battery are connected to the vehicle. This is a complicated procedure that requires specific tools and training.
There are ways to save money on replacement keys for your vehicle. Comparing the prices of keys and features will help you get an idea of how much you'll have to pay for new keys.
The year and model of your car will have a major impact on the price of the new keys you purchase. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips that need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive process.
Keys for older cars and vehicles without transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. In addition that you will often save money on car keys replacement by using a third-party provider or purchasing a new key online.
You may also want to look into buying an portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag that can help you locate your car keys in case they get lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are easy to use via the smartphone app.
It's important to remember that losing or misplacing your keys to your car could be costly, so it's recommended to keep an extra set of keys on hand at all times. If you don't have an extra, it's worth checking with your dealership to find out if they offer the option of a key replacement program for free as part of the warranty for your vehicle and roadside assistance additional add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs can cover up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year and are well worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. Therefore, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- which makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key you're using can affect how much it will cost you to purchase the replacement. Key fobs that are standard are inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as durable as the modern models that include an additional layer of security. These keys have a special head with a chip that communicates to the car's computer. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. These are much more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith might need to remove the transponder from its socket to set it up correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a locksmith who has specialized training. If funny post have to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses a chip, the process can be time-consuming and costly.
You'll need to take your vehicle to a dealer to get the key programmed. You'll need proof of ownership such as your 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 existing key.
Genesky says that he can do the key cutting and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. Genesky is forced to turn away customers who have the most recent models of cars since there isn't the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. It is essential to select an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and offers various 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 house can affect the price that a locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace the key. If you reside in a city that is large the costs are likely to be higher than if you lived in rural or a small town area. This is because the service provider must travel farther to reach you, which means higher costs.
The time and location of the loss may also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night this will increase the total cost. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The kind of key you own will also affect the price. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others include transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. Keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.
Certain of these keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take an hour or more and is another reason why the cost will be more expensive than a basic key.
Older vehicles without transponder chips and standard keys are less expensive to purchase a new key. Standard key cutting usually requires a look at the cuts on the ignition of the vehicle or using the VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Many of these key types require that they are paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you've lost your keys and are unable find them, you can contact the dealership where you bought your car however that isn't always an option.
You might be able to submit an insurance claim to replace a key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA could be able assist you with this but they'll probably only provide a simple key and not the more sophisticated technology.
Security Features
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give an individual the chance to rob your vehicle. This is a danger that all drivers have to face. It's important to budget for the cost of a new key.
There are many factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. These include the year and model of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is, and the security features in the keys. You should also think about whether you'd prefer to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.
It is much less expensive to replace the traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. They can be duplicated in 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 now offered in many cars which communicate with the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are specifically designed to prevent theft. The cost to replace keys of this kind could be as high as $500 or more.
You can also add an electronic tracker to your keychain in the event that you misplace it. These tiny devices are available at the majority of hardware stores and are can be used with an app that tracks the lost keys. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys, however, they are a reasonable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing a set of keys to your car was an enormous hassle and could have left you out of pocket for some time. Today, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys can be an issue. However, it doesn't have to be costly to get back behind the wheel.