Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major problem to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
Calling an auto locksmith is the cheapest and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also get your keys copied by professional dealers, but they usually increase the cost.
Year & Make a Car
The days when a lost car key was not a big issue are over. The keys of today's cars which are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob it could cost you up to $350.
This is because modern cars make use of electronic keys and fobs to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices of a tiny sizes, with a battery and circuitry, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and training to master.
There are a variety of ways to save money on replacement car keys. Comparing vehicle key replacement of keys and features will help you get an idea of much you'll have to pay for new keys.
One of the most important factors that can affect the price of replacement keys for your car is the year and make of your vehicle. A lot of newer cars have high-tech transponder chips that have to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
Keys that are older and that do not have transponder chips are much more affordable to replace. You can also save money by buying online or utilizing a third party service to replace keys to your car.
Consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event they are lost. These devices attach directly to your keys, and can be used by using a smartphone app.
It's important to keep in mind that losing or misplacing your car keys could be costly, so it's advisable to keep an extra set of keys on hand at all times. If you don't own a spare key, check with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. It could be a included in the warranty of your vehicle, or as an extra roadside assistance add-on. These programs cover up to $400 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are well worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and keys for cars might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. In this way there's more to them than meets the eye -- and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you're using can affect how much it will cost you to purchase the replacement. Key fobs that are standard are inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as robust as the newer models that have an additional layer of security. These keys come with a specific head with a chip that communicates to the computer in the car. Without the chip the duplicate key will not work, even when the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. These keys are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps that include laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In certain situations, the locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder to program it properly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a professional locksmith. If they have to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses chips, the process is time-consuming and expensive.
You'll need to take your vehicle to a dealer to get a key programmed. It will be necessary to show evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title documents. You'll also need to wait for the dealer to make an order and connect a new key with your current key.
Genesky claims that he is able to cut keys and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. He has to turn away customers who own the latest models of cars as they don't have the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. This is why it's important to locate a local locksmith or dealership that offers an array of services that can be adapted to any type of vehicle. This will save you money on the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your keys to your car.
Where You Live
When you live can impact how much the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. Prices are higher in larger cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is because the service provider must travel farther to get to you and this translates into higher costs.
The timing and location of the loss may also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on an evening or on a holiday this will increase the total cost. You might also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a service technician to show up.
The type of key you have will also influence the cost. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys, whereas others have transponder chips, a key fob or smart keys. Those keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Some of these high-tech keys require to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could take up to up to an hour or more and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a standard one.
Older cars without transponder chips or standard keys are less expensive to purchase an updated key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a look at the cuts on the car's ignition or using a VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Many of these keys require that they be connected to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engines. You can call the dealership where you purchased your vehicle if you are not able to locate your keys. However it isn't always possible.
Depending on your insurance policy depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to submit a claim to them to pay for an alternative key or fob. Roadside assistance companies like AAA could be able assist with this but they'll probably only offer a basic key, not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys, but it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk that all drivers face, it's important to know the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can budget for it.
There are many factors that impact the price of replacement keys. These include the year and model of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is, and the security features that are included in the keys. It's also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing keys that have been lost.
Traditional keys made of metal that don't have transponder chips are a lot less expensive to replace. These can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Many cars now come with key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to connect with the computer in your car. They are a lot more difficult 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 may also choose to add a tracker to your keychain to assist you to locate it in case you lose it. These tiny devices can be purchased at most hardware stores and utilized with an app to track your key that you lost. While they can increase the total cost of replacing keys, they can also be an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.
In the past when you lost your keys to your car was an enormous issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a period of time. Today, however, most of us have more technology than our grandparents did back in their time, and losing your keys is a big hassle however, it doesn't have to break the bank to get back behind the wheel.