Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge problem to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
The most cost-effective and easiest method to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also get your key copied by specialist dealers, but they typically charge extra.
Year & Make of vehicle
The days are long gone when a simple lost car key wasn't an issue. Modern cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart key could cost you as much as $350.
This is because modern cars use electronic keys and fobs to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny size, with circuitry and batteries, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complicated procedure that requires specialized tools and a thorough understanding of.
There are many ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. Comparing prices and features of keys will help you get an idea of how much you'll have to pay for new keys.
One of the most important factors that will determine the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and the make of your car. Most modern vehicles come with advanced transponder chips that require to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith which is a costly and time-consuming procedure.
It's cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that don't have transponder chips. Additionally that you will often save money on replacement car keys through a third-party service or buying your new key online.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in case they go missing. These devices attach to your keys and are easy to use with a smartphone app.
Keep in car key replacements that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can be expensive. It is best to always have an extra. If you don't have a spare, it's worth checking with your dealership to see if they have a free key replacement program as part of your vehicle's warranty or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs provide up to $400 in key replacement costs per year, and are well worth the peace of mind they provide.
Technology Type
While keys for cars and remotes may appear to be simple metal pieces, they're actually miniature electronic devices. As such, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you have can affect how much it will cost you to purchase a replacement. Standard key fobs are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as the latest models with an extra layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates to the car's computer. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to function even when the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. The keys are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps that include cutting the laser and programming your key to your vehicle.
In certain situations, the locksmith may need to remove the transponder from its socket to program it properly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a locksmith with special training. If they need to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses chips, the process could be lengthy and costly.
For the most recent models of cars, you'll need to bring your car into a dealership to have an updated key programmed to your vehicle. This will require you to present proof of ownership such as your registration or title papers. Also, you'll need wait a few days for the dealer to order an additional key for your vehicle and pair it with your current one.
Genesky says that he's able to program keys and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles at his shop for about $200-$250. Genesky is forced to turn away customers who own the latest models of cars because there isn't the costly equipment required to program their keys. It's important to choose a local locksmith or dealership that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provides various services. 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 of your house can impact the price the locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace a key. The prices are higher in big cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider needs to travel farther to get to you and this translates into higher costs.
Another factor that can affect the cost of car key replacement is the time and place you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on the night of a holiday or during the night it can add to the total cost. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The type of key you have will also influence the cost. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, keys fobs, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using modern technology will be higher.
Certain of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can take an hour or longer and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a basic one.
For those with older vehicles with standard keys that do not include transponder chips, will usually pay less for an entirely new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cuts on the car's ignition or using the VIN number to identify the correct key for the vehicle.
A lot of these keys require that they are paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and start the engine. You can contact the dealership from which you bought your vehicle if you are in a position to locate your keys. However, this is not always the case.
If your insurance policy is in place depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to file a claim with them to pay for a replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies like AAA may be able to assist with this however they'll likely only give a simple key and not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a major hassle, but it's also 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 car key replacement to ensure you have enough money for it.
The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of factors. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the key technology is, and the security features in the keys. It's also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA, which can increase the cost of replacing a lost key.
It is much cheaper to replace traditional metal car keys without a transponder. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in many vehicles which communicate with the vehicle's computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to prevent theft. The cost of replacing keys of this kind can be as high as $500 or more.
You could also add 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 can be used in conjunction with an app to monitor the location of your lost keys. They can add to the cost of replacing e-keys, however, they are a reasonable and effective option for most people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major hassle and put you out of money for a while. Most of us today have more technology than we did in the past, and so losing your keys is a major issue. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get you back behind the wheel.