10 Things Your Competitors Can Teach You About Cost For Car Key Replacement
How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you've lost your car keys there are several alternatives to replace it. Locksmiths are the most affordable solution.
However, the best way is to reach out to your dealer in case you own one. A replacement from the dealer can be more expensive, but it's usually the cheapest.
Technician
Losing your car key can be a hassle and costly especially if you have remote. Getting a replacement key can cost anywhere from $25 to $450, based on the make and model of your vehicle. The cost of a key is influenced by the type of key that you own and the dealer where you purchase it from.
You can either hire a locksmith or go to the car dealership to purchase an entirely new key. Both options are priced differently and the dealer option is typically the most expensive. Locksmiths can usually cut and program a traditional key, which isn't an fob.
Modern car keys include a chip that links up with your vehicle when you use it to unlock or start the engine. These keys require a more complicated process to copy and will cost more to replace. A basic transponder keys will cost about $150, while a laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate will cost around $200.
If you have a more advanced key, like a switchblade key in a key fob or a smart key, you'll need to visit a dealer for the replacement. Most locksmiths do not have the equipment necessary to duplicate these keys. You'll need purchase them from a dealer. This could take a couple of days and you will not be able use your car until it arrives.
The best way to avoid the cost of losing your car keys is to avoid them from being lost in the first place. Consider keeping a spare in your glove box and using an electronic device to track your keys.
If you lose the keys to your car, be sure to notify the police as soon as you can. You should not force your way in the car, as this could lead to an insurance claim, or even an accusation of theft. Insurance companies can also be suspicious if you break windows or use wire hangers. It is more difficult to convince them that the car belongs to you.
Dealership
Most people have lost their car keys at one time or another. Whether they slipped into a different dimension or the cat flushed them in the toilet The loss of keys is always a pain. The replacement of them can really put a dent in your budget.
The cost of replacing a key at a dealership can vary depending on the type of key you have and the model of your vehicle. Typically, metal keys are easy to duplicate at locksmiths or other third-party workshops, but most modern vehicles are equipped with transponder keys that are specially designed and need to be programmed by a dealer in order to function correctly.
For those kinds of keys, dealers will charge anywhere from $500 to $1000 to replace and reprogram. While that may seem expensive however, you can lower the cost by signing up for a comprehensive key replacement program. These programs cost a monthly fee which includes replacement of eligible key and remote transponders, but not keys for valet, if they're lost or damaged. Some even offer one qualifying key replacement per year for no cost.
These programs are often offered by auto dealers as an additional service to their bumper-tobumper or extended warranty. You may also locate them through reputable companies that specialize in roadside assistance.
You'll need to tow your vehicle to a dealer to replace a lost transponder or an all-in-one key. The dealership will have to purchase the key and then pair it to your vehicle and this could take a few days.
Keep a spare key handy to save yourself the cost of replacing it. It is also important to note down the VIN number in case you lose it. The VIN can be located on your vehicle's documentation, the dashboard or door jamb. Alternatively, you can call the manufacturer of your car or an GEICO agent to assist in finding the VIN. GEICO Roadside Assistance can tow your car to a qualified repair facility. It's completely free to join and available on the GEICO mobile app.
Independent Locksmith
The majority of people aren't ready for the expense of replacing a car key. It is important to know what the cost is before you lose your keys. It is possible to spend an enormous amount of money if you go through a dealership, however it is also possible to find low-cost solutions through third-party vendors.
If you're worried about losing your car keys, it's an excellent idea to create an extra key and keep it in a safe location. You can use an independent locksmith or dealership to do this, however you will likely have to wait until the process is completed. Some businesses offer an emergency service, however this could be more expensive.
The cost of car key replacement can vary based on the type of car you have and the features of your car. A standard key made of metal can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10 however a transponder, or "smart" key that connects to the car via radio transmitters will cost significantly more. Additionally, if your car was built within the past decade or so, it likely has a key fob remote that must be programmed to work with your car.
While a lot of locksmiths have equipment needed to cut a car key but not all have the required blanks for every brand and model. There aren't all locksmiths equipped with the necessary technology to program the car key. This is particularly true for high-end models with special keys.
Another factor in the cost of car key replacement is the time of day you require the key. Most locksmiths operate during regular hours, which means you'll have to pay more if you need the key in a crisis outside of these times. The location in which you live will affect the cost of a car key replacement. You'll likely pay more for a remote area.
Insurance can pay for the replacement of keys to your car in certain cases. Contact your insurance company to determine if you're covered. In certain cases the cost of replacement could be covered by the warranty on your vehicle and/or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
The term roadside assistance refers to the services that aid motorists and motorcyclists stuck on the side of the road. This service is provided by car associations, transportation departments or vehicle insurance companies. The company will send a representative to inspect the vehicle or motorcycle and determine if repairs are needed. The company could charge for a new key, if needed.
Having the ability to duplicate the keys to your car is essential. This is typically done professionally at the locksmith shop or using a key duplication device. However, the methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys aren't suitable for modern keys that have technology integrated into the keys. These types of keys contain a transponder in the key head that communicates with the car to verify that it is a genuine key. These keys are harder to duplicate and are usually only made by a dealer or a licensed locksmith.
The first thing to do when your car key fob is not functioning correctly is to replace the batteries. The majority of hardware stores have the batteries needed for less than $10. If you're unable to find the correct battery, auto specialists or dealers may be able provide one at no cost.
A stolen or lost car key can be a big problem, especially if you're stranded on the side of the road. Many people try to solve the problem on their own by trying to duplicate keys using an instrument for cutting keys or simply using an image file. These methods won't work with modern car key however. Most of them require precise programming and copying by a qualified professional, like a technician, locksmith or professional from a car dealership.
In the majority of cases, car dealerships offer the best prices for replacing a car key, but they also have some of the most expensive service charges. Contact locksmith for car key replacement to see whether the cost of replacing a key is covered.