Let's Get It Out Of The Way! 15 Things About Cost Of Replacement Car Key We're Tired Of Hearing
Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a major hassle to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
A call to an auto locksmith is the cheapest and easiest way to replace your car key. You can also have your key copied by an expert dealer, however they will charge you more.
Year & Make of Vehicle
The days of having a lost car key was not an issue are over. Today's cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart keys could cost you as much as $350.
Modern vehicles utilize electronic keys and fobs to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices equipped with 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 a thorough understanding of.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on car keys replacement. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to buying you will be more informed about the price you can anticipate spending on new keys.
One of the biggest factors that determine the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and model 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 time-consuming and costly procedure.
Keys that are older and that do not have transponder chips are more affordable to replace. You can also save money by buying online or using a third-party service to replace your car keys.
You might also think about buying an portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag which can assist you in finding your car keys if they get lost. These devices can be attached to your keys and are easy to use via an app for smartphones.
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 consider consulting your dealer to see if they have a free key replacement program as part of your warranty on your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs can provide up to $400 worth of cost of replacement keys for your car each year, and are well worth it for the assurance they offer.
While car keys and remote fobs might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually miniscule electronic devices. They're more complex than they appear. This makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key you own will also affect the cost of a replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated fairly cheaply however they aren't as durable as newer models with an extra layer of security. These keys come with a specific head with a chip which communicates to the computer in the car. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't function even in the event that the grooves and ridges are the same as the original. These keys are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps that include cutting the laser and programming your key to your vehicle.
In certain situations, a locksmith will need to remove the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a locksmith with special training. If they are required to replace other components such as the housing which houses chips, the procedure can be time-consuming and costly.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer to get the key programmed. You'll need to present proof of ownership such as the registration papers or title documents. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to order and match a new key to the key you have already.
Genesky says he is able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles at his shop for between $200 and $250. However, he has to deny customers who have the latest model cars because they don't have the high-priced equipment to program keys for them. This is why it's crucial to find a local locksmith or dealership that offers 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 car keys.
Where You Live
The place you live will affect the price a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. Prices are higher in large cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel farther to get to your location, which means higher costs.
The time and location of the loss may also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on an evening or on a holiday it can add to the overall price. There is a chance that you will be charged due to the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to show up.
The type of key you're using will also influence the cost. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, whereas others have a transponder chip, key fob or smart keys. Keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Some of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take about an hour or more, and is one of the reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a basic one.
For those with older vehicles with standard keys that do not contain transponder chips typically pay less for a new key. Standard key cutting usually only requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is right for the vehicle.
A lot of keys require that they are connected to the car's computer to open the doors and start the engines. It is possible to contact the dealership where you purchased your vehicle if you are in a position to locate your keys. However it isn't always the case.
Depending 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. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA could also be able to assist however, they'll likely only offer a basic key and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys, but it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a danger that all drivers are exposed to it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys to be able to budget for it.
There are many factors that affect the cost of replacement keys. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the technology used to make keys is, and the security features in the keys. You should also think about whether you would like to make use of an emergency roadside assistance program, like AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing your lost key.
Traditional metal car keys which don't have a transponder chip in them are much 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 then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. It could cost you $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in many cars that connect to the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. They are a lot more difficult to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. The cost of replacing keys of this kind could be as high as $500 or more.
You could also decide to add a tracker to your keychain to help locate it in case you lose it. These tiny devices can be bought at most hardware stores and used with an app that tracks your lost key. They can increase the cost of replacing e-keys, however, they are a reasonable and practical option for most people.
In the past, losing your car keys could be a major hassle and could have cost you money for a time. Today, however, most of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their day, and misplacing your keys could be an enormous hassle, but it doesn't have to break the bank to return to driving.