5 The 5 Reasons Car Key Replacement Is Actually A Great Thing
How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
Losing your car keys is costly and frustrating. The cost to replace keys is contingent on the type of key and where you get it made.
Locksmiths can typically duplicate traditional keys for less than $10. However, the majority of modern vehicles are equipped with transponder chips that must be programmed at the dealership. Keys cut with lasers and switchblade keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealership.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
If you lose your car keys, it can be difficult and frustrating. However, if you have an extra key and know what kind of car key you lost, the process could be a little easier. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith could likely make a duplicate quickly and easily. However, more sophisticated types of keys require specialized knowledge to be copied. They also have to be programmed, which means you'll likely have to go to your dealership to purchase a new key.
The type of key that was lost will also affect the amount it will cost to replace. For instance, mechanical keys that simply insert into the ignition cylinder will cost less replace than a key fob that has a transponder that has to be programmed. Key fobs will typically cost more to replace if it is equipped with the switchblade key, or other special features.
Whether you choose to replace your key with the help of an expert or DIY could have an impact on your car key replacement costs as well. Professionals will usually cost more than DIY methods however they can save you a lot of time and frustration. They'll also have the most experience with your particular type of car.
While getting a car's key replaced can be costly, it's worth it in the long term. You must be aware of all the factors that will affect the cost of your car key replacement so that you can plan for the future.
The best way to figure out the price your car key will cost is to locate an auto locksmith in your area. They can provide you with a price based on the specific model of your car and make. They will have the necessary equipment to perform a great job. Another option is calling roadside assistance, but it can be more expensive. It's worth noting that your insurance provider may offer this service as a part of your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they will offer the services you require.
Dealerships
A few years ago, misplacing or losing your keys to your car was not an issue. It was simple to get your vehicle tow by roadside assistance, get the replacement key and get back on the road in a short time. But as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which makes them more costly to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the best way to cut down on costs, unless you require a new key remote, transponder or key fob. Look for an independent car locksmith or shop for replacement keys that can provide OEM or 3rd party keys at less than the cost. Many of these shops offer an online search tool that can aid you in finding a shop near you.
You should also find a place that can cut and program a standard-sized key, since they're generally cheaper than a dealer. The downside is that they might not have the key you require and may need to order it for you. If they have the key, you can expect to spend between $200 and $350.
Some dealers offer in-house service for replacing car keys and other lockout problems, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or an independent service. This is particularly applicable to famous car brands like Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chips are more complex and expensive to replace than those of other manufacturers'.
If you do end up at the dealership, make sure to inquire about any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may aid in reducing your bill. It is possible to get a mobile locksmith delivered to your area who will unlock your car on the spot and create a replacement key. This is a great option for those who don't have the time to wait for your dealership to set up and make your key. You can save as much as 50% by using an independent locksmith rather than the dealership's service center.
Independent Locksmiths
Aside from being incredibly stressful, losing your car keys can also be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest method of replacing keys lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and don't have as many overhead costs.
The cost of a replacement key could be different depending on whether or not you have an existing key that you can copy from. If you have an existing key, the cost will be much lower as it can be copied from that key without the need to be programmed. Mechanical keys that are older and without a transponder can be copied for as little as $10.
Modern electronic keys, however, are more expensive to duplicate because they need to be programmed to integrate with the system of your vehicle. Depending on your car's make and model the process could be as easy as entering the code or as complex as utilizing a decryptor to modify the key for proper operation.
It is also important to note that the location of the vehicle could influence the cost of a new key. If you're stuck in the middle, it may be more expensive to replace your car's key because there may be no one nearby to assist. In this type of situation, most people depend on assistance from the roadside however, it can be expensive and only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that is useful to keep in mind when calculating the cost of replacing your key is that many independent locksmiths offer discounts on their services for first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. This is due to the fact that they wish to expand their business and rely on word of mouth marketing instead of costly advertising.
A final suggestion: always have an extra car key. This will save you the hassle of having to replace a key that has been lost, and will be cheaper than trying to do so at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost to replace your car key, contact your insurance company and ask for more information. Certain insurance companies provide the option of a fee to replace keys that are lost.
Replacement Keys
Whether you lost your key or you simply want to replace an older one there are a lot of factors that will factor into the cost of getting the new car key. You should first write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car. This will help you to determine where to go to find a replacement key. This number is located on the dashboard of the driver, or in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Depending on the year, make and model of your car, you may need to visit a dealer in order to get an additional key, particularly if it contains an electronic transponder chip. These chips must be programmed to work, as they communicate with the vehicle in order to begin it. This is done using special machines that are generally only available at dealerships and can cost up to $200 for a new key and fob.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key that does not have transponder chips, you should be able to locate a locksmith who will duplicate it for a much lesser cost. It could cost as little as $10 for keys or up to $150, depending on the kind.
Some keys are more difficult to duplicate and are more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds up into a fob, is usually more expensive than any other type of key because it requires more effort to produce. Smart keys, which use a proximity sensor to unlock the car's door, are also a costly option. It is difficult to reprogram, and the price of a replacement key could be expensive.
If you aren't able to afford going to a dealership for your new key, you can try to find an auto locksmith in your neighborhood who specializes in the brand of vehicle you use. They are likely to give you a cheaper estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership. Some even offer mobile services where they can come to your workplace or home to cut and program the keys for you.