Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major hassle to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is an expense of a major magnitude.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also request your key cloned at a specialist dealer, but they will charge you more.
Year and Make a Car
The days when a lost car key was not a big issue are long gone. The keys of today's automobiles that are more sophisticated, are expensive to buy. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
This is because modern cars make use of electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices equipped with circuitry, a battery and transponder chip that are all linked to your specific vehicle. This is a difficult procedure that requires specific tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. Comparing prices and features of keys can help you to get a better idea of how much you will pay for new keys.
One of the biggest factors that affect the price of replacement keys for your car is the year and make of your vehicle. Many newer cars have transponder chips that must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly procedure.
Keys for older cars and vehicles with no transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. You can also save money by buying online or using a third party service to replace the keys to your car.
Consider buying an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys, and can be easily used by using a smartphone app.
Remember that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can cost you money. It is best to always carry a spare. If you don't have an extra key, you should check with your dealer to find out whether they have a no-cost replacement program. This could be part of the warranty for your vehicle or as an additional roadside assistance feature. These programs will cover replacement car key costs up to $400 per year. They're worth the peace-of-mind they provide.
Technology Type
While car keys and remote controls may appear to be simple metal pieces, they're actually miniature electronic devices. As such there's more to them than meets the eye -- which is why they're expensive to replace.
The kind of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to get an alternative. Standard key fobs are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price however they aren't as durable as newer models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique key head that has a small chip that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is legitimate. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't function even in the event that the grooves and ridges are identical to the original. The keys are more expensive than conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps: laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some instances the locksmith may have to remove the transponder from its socket to programme it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a locksmith with special training. If they have to replace other components such as the housing that holds chips, the process can be time-consuming and costly.
You'll need to take your car to a dealer to have a key programmed. You will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration papers or title documents. You'll also need to wait until the dealer orders and pair a new key with your current key.
Genesky says he can usually complete key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for about $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers with the latest models of cars because he does not have the costly equipment required to program their keys. This is the reason it's essential to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that can provide a wide range of services and can accommodate any type of vehicle. In the end, this will help you save money in the long run in the process of repairing and replacing your keys to your car that have been stolen or lost.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect how much the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. If you reside in a city that is large the costs are likely to be more expensive than if you resided in an isolated town or rural area. This is due to the fact that a service provider has to travel further to get to you, which means more expensive costs.
The timing and location of the loss can also affect the cost. The cost of a replacement key will increase if you lose them during a holiday, or during the night. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key you have can also affect the cost. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using higher-tech keys will be more expensive.
Some of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can take up to an hour or more and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key 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 typically only requires a look at the cuts on the ignition of the vehicle or using the VIN number to identify the correct key for the car.
A lot of keys require that they are connected to the car's computer in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. It is possible to contact the dealership that sold you your vehicle if you are not able to locate your keys. However locksmith for car key replacement isn't always feasible.
You may be able submit an insurance claim to replace a key or fob, depending on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA might also be able to help but they'll only provide the basic key, and not the latest technology.
Security Features
It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk that all drivers are exposed to, it's important to know the cost of car key replacement to ensure you have enough money for it.
There are several factors that influence the cost of keys replacement. The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the year and model of your vehicle as well as the technology used in the key, as well as the security features. It's also important to consider whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA, which can add to the overall cost of replacing keys that have been lost.
It is much cheaper to replace traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a smarter key must be connected with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $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 harder to copy and are made to guard against theft. Keys can cost $500 or more.
You can also attach a tracker to your keychain in the event that you lose it. These small devices can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores and are can be used with an app to track your lost key. While they can increase the total cost of replacing e keys, they can be an affordable and efficient solution for most people.
In the past, losing your car keys could be a major issue and cost you money for a while. Nowadays, we have more technology than we did in the past, so losing your keys can be an issue. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get you back on the road.