Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big problem to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also request your key copied by an expert dealer, however they'll charge more.
Year & Make a Vehicle
The days are long gone where a single lost car key wasn't such a big deal. The keys of modern-day automobiles that are more sophisticated, are more expensive to purchase. In fact, if you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices equipped with circuitry, batteries and transponder chip that are all paired with your vehicle's specific model. This is a sophisticated procedure that requires specialized tools and knowledge to master.
There are ways to save on replacement keys for your car. Comparing prices and features of keys can help you to get an idea of how much you'll have to pay for new keys.
The year and model of your vehicle will have a major impact on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly process.
Older cars and keys with no transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. Additionally you could save money on car keys replacement by using a third-party service or purchasing a new key on the internet.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event that they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys, and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.
It's important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing keys to your car could be costly, so it's advisable to keep an extra set of keys with you at all times. If you don't own an extra key, make contact with your dealer to find out if they offer a free replacement program. It could be a part of the warranty for your vehicle, or as an extra roadside assistance feature. These programs will provide up to $400 in replacement car key cost s each year and are worth the assurance they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and car keys might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. They're more complicated than they appear. This means they're costly to replace.
The type of key you're using also affects how much it will cost you to purchase a replacement. Key fobs that are standard are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as modern models that have an additional layer of security. These have a special key head that has a small chip in it that communicates with the car's computer system to ensure the key is legitimate. A duplicate key won't function without the chip, even having the same grooves and ridges as the original. The keys are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps that include cutting with lasers and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith will have to take apart the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be carried out by a locksmith with special training. If they are required to replace other parts, such as the housing which houses chips, the process could be lengthy and costly.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer to get a key programmed. It will be necessary to provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title papers. Also, you'll need wait a few days for the dealer to purchase a new key for your car and match it with your existing one.
Genesky claims that he is able to do the key cutting and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he must refuse customers with newer models because they don't have the high-priced equipment to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that can provide an array of services and can work with any type of vehicle. Ultimately, this will save you money over the long term when it comes to fixing and replacing keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
The location you live in can affect the price the locksmith or dealer will charge for key replacement. Prices are higher in large cities than in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because a service provider will travel further to reach you, which translates to more expensive 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 will add to the overall price. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician.
The type of key you have can also affect the cost. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys with more advanced technology will be more expensive.
Certain of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take an hour or longer and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a basic one.
Older vehicles without transponder chips and standard keys are less expensive to purchase a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a look at the cuts on the ignition of the vehicle or using a VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Many of these key types require pairing with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and start the engine. If you lost your keys and are unable locate them, you could try calling the car dealership where you bought your car, but that is not always an option.
You may be able make a claim for a replacement fob or key, based on the terms of your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA might be able to assist with this but they'll probably only provide a simple key, not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a huge hassle however it can also be an opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle. This is a danger that all drivers must face. It's important to budget for the cost of replacing a car key.
The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the technology used to make keys is, and the security features included in the keys. It is also important to consider whether you'd prefer to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
Traditional car keys made of metal that don't come with a transponder chip in them are much cheaper to replace. They can typically be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in a variety of cars which communicate with the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. These keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You could also add an electronic tracker to your keychain in case you lose it. These tiny devices can be purchased at many hardware stores and can be can be used with an app that tracks the lost keys. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, however they are a cost-effective and practical 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. Nowadays, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys is a major issue. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get back on the road.
