Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a huge problem to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.
The most cost-effective and easiest method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also have your keys copied by professional dealers, but they typically charge extra.
Year and Make a Car
The days are long gone when a lost car key wasn't a big deal. Keys for modern automobiles which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to purchase. In fact in the event that you lose your fob or smart key it could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chip that are all paired with your vehicle's specific model. This is a complex procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on replacement car keys. By comparing the prices of keys and features before you buy you will be better informed about the price you can expect to pay for your new keys.
One of the main factors that can influence the cost of the replacement car keys is the year and make of your car. Many modern cars come with transponder chips which need to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly process.
Keys for older cars and vehicles with no transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. You can also save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace keys to your car.
You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in case they get lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.
It's important to keep in mind that losing or misplacing your keys to your car can be costly, and it's recommended to keep a spare in your vehicle at all times. If you don't have a spare, it's worth consulting your dealer to see if it offers a free key replacement program as part of your warranty on your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs can provide up to $400 in key replacement costs per year, and are well worth it for the security they offer.
cars keys replacement
While keys for cars and remotes may appear to be simple metal pieces, they are actually miniature electronic devices. In this way, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- and this makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key you have also affects how much it will cost to purchase a replacement. Key fobs that are standard are inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as durable as the modern models that include an additional layer of security. They have a unique key head that has a small chip that communicates with the car's computer system to ensure the key is legitimate. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work, even when the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. The keys are more expensive than traditional ones because they require two steps: laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.
In certain situations 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 done by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be lengthy and costly if they have to replace any other parts, including the housing that houses the chip.
For the most recent models of cars, you'll need to bring your car into the dealership to have a new key programmed to your vehicle. This will require you to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title papers. Also, you'll need to wait for the dealer to order and connect a new key with your current key.
Genesky says that he's able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he has to turn away clients with the newer models because he doesn't have the expensive equipment needed to program keys for them. This is why it's important to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that can provide an array of services and can accommodate any type of vehicle. This will help you save money in the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.
Where You Live
The location of your house will affect the cost the locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace a key. 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 prices.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing your car keys is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of replacing a key will be higher if lose them during holidays or at night. You could also be charged to cover the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key that you own can also impact the price. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. Those keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.
Some of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. It could take up to an hour or longer and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key will cost more than a standard one.
People who own older cars with standard keys that do not contain transponder chips typically pay less for an entirely new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires a look at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require that they be connected to the computer in the vehicle in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. You can contact the dealership that sold you your vehicle if you are not able to locate your keys. However it isn't always possible.
Based 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. Roadside assistance companies like AAA may be able to help with this as well but they'll probably only provide a simple key and not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys could be a huge hassle however, it also presents an opportunity for someone else to take your car. While this is a risk that all drivers face it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.
The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors. This includes the year and model 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 like to use an emergency roadside service, like AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing the key you lost.
Traditional metal car keys which don't have a transponder chip in them are a lot less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. However, a newer smart key must be connected with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to communicate with your vehicle's computer. They are more difficult to duplicate and are made to guard against theft. These keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You could also add an electronic 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 that tracks your key that you lost. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys, however, they are a reasonable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing a set of car keys was a big issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a short time. Today, we have more technology than we did in the past, and so losing your keys can be a hassle. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get you back on the road.