Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
Contacting an auto locksmith is the cheapest and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your key copied by specialist dealers, but they typically charge extra.
Year and Make of vehicle
Long gone are the days when a simple lost car key wasn't such an issue. The keys of modern-day automobiles which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to buy. In fact when you lose your smart key or fob it could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny sizes, with circuitry and a battery are connected to the vehicle. This is a complex procedure that requires specialized tools and a thorough understanding of.
There are ways to save on replacement keys for your car. By comparing prices for keys and features before you buy you will be better aware of the amount you can expect to spend on new keys.
The year and model of your vehicle will have a major effect on the cost of the new keys you purchase. A lot of newer cars have high-tech transponder chips that need to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
Older cars and keys without transponder chips will be much more affordable to replace. You can also save money by buying online or using a third party service to replace keys to your car.
You might also think about buying a portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag which can aid you in finding your car keys if they get lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys, and can be used by using a smartphone app.
Be aware that losing or misplacing your keys to your car can cost you money. It is recommended to always carry an extra. If you don't have an extra key, you should consider visiting your dealer to see if they have the option of a key replacement program for free as part of your warranty on your vehicle and roadside assistance additional add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs will provide up to $400 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are well worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and keys for cars might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniscule electronic devices. As a result, they're more complex than they appear. This means they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you own will also affect the cost of a replacement. Standard key fobs can be duplicated fairly cheaply, but are not as durable as the latest models with an extra layer of security. These keys come with a specific head with a chip which communicates to the car's computer. A duplicate key will not function without the chip, even having the same ridges and grooves as the original. These are much more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps to make laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases, a locksmith will need to disassemble the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a specialized locksmith. If they have to replace other components such as the housing that houses chips, the process could be lengthy and costly.
You'll have to take your car to a dealer in order to get the key programmed. You'll need proof of ownership such as your registration documents or title documents. In addition, you'll have to wait a few days for the dealer to order an additional key for your vehicle and pair it with your current one.
Genesky says he is able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for about $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who have the latest models of cars as they don't have the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. It is important to choose a local dealership or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and provide various services. This will help you save money in the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your lost car keys.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect the amount a locksmith or car dealer charges for key replacement. The prices are higher in big cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider will travel further to reach you, which translates to greater prices.
car fob replacement key and location of the loss can be a factor in the price. The cost of replacing a key will increase if you lose them during holidays or in the night. You could also be charged 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 have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others have transponder chips, keys fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using higher-tech keys will be more expensive.
Certain of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could take about an hour or more, and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a basic one.
Older vehicles without transponder chips or standard keys are less expensive to purchase an updated key. Standard key cutting usually only requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the vehicle.
Many of these key types require pairing with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you've lost your keys and aren't able to locate them, you could try calling the car dealership that you purchased your car however that isn't always an option.
Based on your insurance policy, it may be possible to make a claim to pay for the replacement key or key fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA could be able help with this as well but they'll probably only give a simple key, and not more 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 every driver faces, it's important to know the cost of replacing the car keys to be able to budget for it.
There are several 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 in the keys. It's also important to decide whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA which can increase the cost of replacing the lost key.
Traditional metal car keys which don't have transponder chips are much cheaper to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. However, a smarter key needs to be paired with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could cost you $200 or more.
Many cars now come with key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle's computer. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are specifically made to guard against theft. These keys can cost $500 or more.
You can also add a tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These are usually small devices that are available from a variety of hardware stores and can be used in conjunction with an app to monitor the whereabouts of your lost key. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys, however, they are a reasonable and effective option for most people.
In the past, losing your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and cost you money for a few days. Today, however, most of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did in their time, and losing your keys could be an enormous hassle however, it doesn't have to cost you a fortune to get back behind the wheel.