Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is a huge problem. And, the cost of replacing them can be a significant expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also have your key cloned at an authorized dealer, but they'll charge you more.
Year and Make a Car
The days are long gone when a simple lost car key wasn't such a big deal. The keys of modern-day automobiles, which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to purchase. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices equipped with circuitry, a battery and transponder chip that are all linked to the vehicle you have chosen. This is a sophisticated process that requires special tools and knowledge to master.
There are ways to save money on replacement keys for your vehicle. Comparing key prices and features can help you to get an idea of much you'll spend on new keys.
One of the most important factors that will influence the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and the make of the vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips that need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive procedure.
It is cheaper to replace old cars and keys that do not have transponder chips. You can save money by purchasing online or utilizing a third party service to replace the keys to your car.
You might also look into purchasing an portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag which can aid you in finding your car keys should they get lost. These devices attach to your keys and are simple to use via the smartphone app.
Be aware that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could be costly. It is recommended to always have an extra. If you don't have an extra key, you should consider consulting your dealer to see if they have the option of a key replacement program for free as part of your vehicle's warranty, roadside assistance extra add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs cover up to $400 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
Although keys for cars and remotes may appear to be simple metal objects, they're actually miniature electronic devices. As such, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- which is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you have will also impact the amount it will cost to get the replacement. Key fobs of the standard type can be duplicated fairly cheaply however they aren't as durable as modern models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique key head with a small chip in it that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is legitimate. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to function even when the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. The keys are more expensive than conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps that include cutting the laser and programming the key to your vehicle.
In certain situations, the locksmith may need to remove the transponder from its socket to set it up correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a specialized locksmith. The process can be very long and costly should they need to replace any other parts such as the housing that holds the chip.
For the most recent models of automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle to the dealership to have a new key programmed to your vehicle. This will require you to show evidence of ownership, like your registration or title papers. You'll also have to wait until the dealer orders and pair a new key with the key you have already.
Genesky says that he can cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. However, he must refuse customers with most recent models of cars since there isn't the costly equipment to program keys for them. This is the reason it's essential to locate a local locksmith or dealer that provides a wide range of services that can be adapted to any type of vehicle. This will save you money in the long run when it's time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect the amount 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 because a service provider must travel further to reach you, which means greater cost.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing car keys is the time and location you lose your keys. The cost of a replacement key is higher if you lose them on a holiday, or during the night. There is key replacement car that you will be charged additional for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive.
The kind of key you own will also affect the price. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, whereas others have a transponder chip, key fob, or smart key. The cost of replacing keys using modern technology will be higher.
Certain of these high-tech keys require programming by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take up to an hour or more and is another reason the price will be higher than a standard key.
Older cars without transponder chips and standard keys are less expensive to purchase a new one. Standard key cutting typically only requires a look at the cuts on the ignition of the car or using the VIN number to identify the right key for the vehicle.
A lot of these keys require pairing with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and start the engine. It is possible to contact the dealership from which you bought your vehicle if you are not able to locate your keys. However, this is not always the case.
You might be able to submit an insurance claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA may also be able to help, but they will likely only provide an entry level key and not the latest 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 every driver faces it's important to understand the cost of car key replacement so that you can budget for it.
There are a variety of factors that affect the cost of replacement keys. This includes the year and model of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is, and the security features included in the keys. It's also important to consider whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which could make a difference in the total cost of replacing the lost key.
Traditional keys made of metal which don't have transponder chips are much less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. On the other hand the latest smart key has to be linked with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in many vehicles that connect to the vehicle's computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are specifically designed to prevent theft. The cost of replacing keys like these could be up to $500 or more.
You can also attach an RFID tracker to your keychain in case you misplace it. These small devices can be bought at most hardware stores and utilized with an app that tracks your lost key. They can increase the cost of replacing electronic keys, but they are an affordable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past having lost your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and cost you money for a time. Nowadays, however of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their day, and misplacing your keys can be a big hassle, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune in order to get back on the road.