Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big problem to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is a major expense.
Contacting an auto locksmith is the most affordable and easiest way to replace your car key. You can also get your key copied by an authorized dealer, but they will charge you more.
Year & Make of Vehicle
Long gone are the days where a single lost car key wasn't such important. The keys of modern-day automobiles that are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. Losing your smart key could cost you as much as $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and begin the engine. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices of a tiny sizes, with a battery and circuitry, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complex process that requires specialized tools and training.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on car keys replacement. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to buying you will be more informed about how much to expect to spend on new keys.
The year and model of your vehicle will have a major impact on the cost of your new replacement keys. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips that need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly process.
It's cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that don't contain transponder chips. You can save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace your car keys.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event that they go missing. These devices are attached to your keys and are easy to use using a smartphone app.
Keep in mind that losing or misplacing your car keys could be costly. It is best to always carry an extra. If you don't have an extra, it's worth visiting your dealer to see if it offers a free key replacement program as part of your warranty on your vehicle, roadside assistance extra add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs will cover replacement car key costs of up to $400 per year. They are well worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote fobs may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. Therefore, they're more complex than they appear. This means they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you have also affects how much it will cost you to purchase a replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated fairly cheaply however they aren't as durable as modern models that come with an extra layer of security. They come with a specific key head with a small chip in it that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is valid. A duplicate key cannot function without the chip, even having the same ridges and grooves as the original. They are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps to make laser cutting and programming the 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 hazardous task that should be handled only by a locksmith who is trained. If they are required to replace other parts, such as the housing which houses a chip, the process can be time-consuming and costly.
For the most recent model automobiles, you'll need bring your vehicle to an auto dealer to get a new key programmed to your vehicle. It will be necessary to show proof of ownership, such as the title or registration papers. Also, you'll need to wait for the dealer to order and match a new key to your current key.
auto car key replacement says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he has to deny customers who have the latest model cars because they don't have the high-priced equipment to program their keys. It is important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and offers various services. This will save you money in the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your home can affect the price that a locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace the key. If you live in a city that is large, the prices are likely to be higher than if you live in rural or a small town area. This is due to the fact that a service provider will travel further to get to you, which results in more expensive cost.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of car key replacement is the time and location you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night it can add to the total cost. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The type of key you have could also affect the cost. Some cars have 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 high-tech keys require programming by a dealership or auto locksmith. This could take an hour or longer and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a basic one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that don't have transponder chips will typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Standard key cutting usually only requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is suitable for the vehicle.
A lot of these keys require that they are paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you have lost your keys and aren't able to locate them, you could call the dealership you bought your car however that isn't always an option.
Depending on your insurance policy depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to make a claim to pay for a replacement key or key fob. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA may also be able to help but they'll only offer an entry level key and not the most advanced technology.
Security Features
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a danger that all drivers face, it's important to know the cost of replacing the car keys so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of factors. The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of aspects, including the year and model of your car as well as the technology used in the key, and security features. You should also consider whether you'd prefer to use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.
Traditional car keys made of metal that don't have transponder chips are much cheaper to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. On the other hand the latest smart key needs to be paired with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in a variety of cars that connect to the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are harder to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. They can cost up to $500 or more.
You can also opt to have a tracker added to your keychain to assist you to locate it in case you lose it. These small devices are available at many hardware stores and can be can be used with an app that tracks your key that you lost. While they can increase the cost of replacing keys, they can be an affordable and efficient solution for the majority of people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major hassle and cost you money for a while. Nowadays, however, the majority of us have more technology than our grandparents did back in their day, and misplacing your keys can be a big hassle, but it doesn't have to break the bank to get back on the road.