Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big problem to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.
The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also get your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they often upcharge.
Year & Make a Vehicle
The days when a lost car key was not a big problem are long gone. The keys of today's automobiles which are more sophisticated, are expensive to buy. In fact when you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs, which are electronic devices of a tiny sizes, with circuitry and batteries, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complex procedure that requires special tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on car keys replacement. Comparing prices and features of keys will help you get an idea of much you'll have to have to pay for new keys.
One of the biggest factors that will influence the cost of your replacement car keys is the year and model of the vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips which need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and costly process.
Older cars and keys with no transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. You can save money by purchasing online or using a third-party service to replace the keys to your car.
You might also think about buying an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that will aid you in finding your car keys in case they get lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys, and are easily accessible with a smartphone application.
Be aware that losing or misplacing your keys to your car can cost you money. It is recommended to always carry an extra. If you don't have an extra key, you should check with your dealer to see if they offer a free replacement program. It could be a part of the warranty for your vehicle or as an additional roadside assistance feature. These programs will cover up to $400 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are well worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
Although car keys and remote controls may appear to be simple metal pieces, they're actually electronic devices in miniature form. Therefore there's more to them than meets the eye and this makes them costly to replace.
The type of key you're using will also impact the amount it will cost you to purchase the replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated relatively cheaply, but are not as durable as modern models with an extra layer of security. These have a special key head that has a small chip that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is legitimate. A duplicate key cannot work without the chip even in the event that it has the same grooves and ridges as the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they require two steps laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances, the locksmith may need to remove the transponder from its socket to programme it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should be handled only by a professional locksmith. If they are required to replace other parts such as the housing that holds chips, the process is time-consuming and expensive.
For the most current model cars, you'll need to bring your vehicle into a dealership to have a new key programed to your vehicle. You'll need proof of ownership such as your registration papers or title documents. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to make an order and connect a new key with your existing key.
Genesky says that he's able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for about $200-$250. However, he must deny customers who have the newer models because they don't have the high-priced equipment to program their keys. It is important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and offers a variety of services. In the end, this will help you save money over the long term when it comes to repairing and replacing lost or stolen car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your house can affect the price the locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace the key. If you live in a major city, the prices are likely to be more expensive than if you resided in a small town or rural area. This is due to the fact that a service provider will travel further to reach you, which means greater prices.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of car key replacement 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. You might also be charged additional for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key you have could also affect the price. Certain cars have only basic mechanical or standard keys, whereas others are equipped with transponder chips, key fob, or smart key. Keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.
Certain of these high-tech keys require to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could take up to an hour or longer and is one of the reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a basic one.
For those with older vehicles with standard keys that don't have transponder chips will typically pay less for a new key. Standard key cutting typically only requires reading the cut marks on the ignition of the vehicle or using a 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 that sold you your car if you are not able to locate your keys. However, this is not always feasible.
You may be able make a claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA may also be able to help but they'll only offer a basic 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 know the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can budget for it.
The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of factors. This includes the year and model of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is and the security features included in the keys. It is also important to think about 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 cheaper to replace traditional car keys without a transponder. They can be duplicated 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 could cost as much as $200 or more.
Many cars now come with key fobs that use radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle's computer. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. These keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You can also attach an RFID tracker to your keychain in the event that you lose it. These are typically small devices that are available from a variety of hardware stores and they can be used in conjunction with an app to monitor the location of your lost keys. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys however they are a cost-effective and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing a set of keys to your car was an enormous issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a short time. Today, we have more technology than in the past, so losing your keys is an issue. But it doesn't need to be costly to get back on the road.