Cost of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big hassle to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense.
The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to call an auto locksmith. You can also have your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they often increase the cost.
Year and Make a Car
The days of having a lost car key was not a major issue are over. The keys of modern-day cars, which are more sophisticated, are expensive to buy. Losing your smart keys could cost you up to $350.
Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny size, with circuitry and batteries are connected to the vehicle. This is a difficult procedure that requires specific tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on replacement car keys. By comparing key prices and features prior to purchasing you will be more aware of the amount you can expect to pay for your new keys.
The year and the make of your car will have a major effect on the cost of your new replacement keys. A lot of newer cars have high-tech transponder chips that need to be paired with the car by a dealer or auto locksmith, which is an expensive and time-consuming process.
It will be cheaper to replace older cars and keys that don't have transponder chips. In addition, you can often save money on new car keys through a third-party service or purchasing a new key online.
Consider buying car key replacements like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event that they are lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are simple to use via an app for smartphones.
Remember that losing or misplacing your keys to your car can cost you money. It is best to always carry a spare. If you don't have an extra, it's worth visiting your dealer to find out if they offer a free key replacement program as part of the warranty for your vehicle and roadside assistance additional add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs will provide up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year and are well worth the peace of mind they provide.
Technology Type
Although keys to cars and remote controls might appear to be basic metal pieces, they're actually miniature electronic devices. Therefore they have more to them than what's apparent -- and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you have will also influence the cost of replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated relatively cheaply however they aren't as durable as modern models that have an additional layer of security. These keys have a special head with a chip which communicates with the car's computer. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to function even if the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. The keys are more expensive than traditional ones because they require two steps: cutting with lasers and programming your key to your vehicle.
In some instances, a locksmith will need to disassemble the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be carried out by a locksmith with special training. If they have to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses chips, the procedure is time-consuming and expensive.
You'll have to take your car to a dealer in order to get a key programmed. This requires you to present proof of ownership such as your registration or title papers. You'll also have to wait until the dealer orders and match a new key to your current key.
Genesky says that he's able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for about $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who have the most recent models of cars since they don't have the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. It is essential to select an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and provides various services. In the end, this will help you save money over the long term in the process of repairing and replacing your keys to your car that have been stolen or lost.
Where You Live
The location of your home will affect the cost a locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace keys. If you reside in a city that is large the costs are likely to be more expensive than if you resided in a small town or rural area. This is because the service provider must travel further to reach you, which results in greater prices.
Another factor that can affect the cost of replacing car keys is the time and place you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night, it will add to the overall price. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician.
The type of key you have can also impact the cost. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys, whereas others have a transponder chip, key fob or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using modern technology will be higher.
Certain of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take up to an hour or more 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 contain transponder chips typically pay less for the purchase of a 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 appropriate for the car.
Many of these keys require that they be paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and start the engine. If you lost your keys and are unable find them, you can try calling the car dealership that you purchased the car however that isn't always an option.
Based on your insurance policy depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to submit a claim to them to cover the cost of the replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies like AAA might be able to assist with this, although they will probably only provide a simple key, and not more advanced technology.
Security Features
The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle however, it also presents an opportunity for someone to take your car. While this is a danger that all drivers face it's important to understand the cost of car key replacement to be able to budget for it.
There are many factors that impact the price of replacement keys. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is, and the security features in the keys. It's also important to consider whether you'd like to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which could increase the cost of replacing the lost key.
It is much cheaper to replace the traditional metal keys for cars without a transponder. They can typically be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. On the other hand, a smarter key must be connected with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can cost up to $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in a variety of cars which communicate with the vehicle's computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to stop theft. The cost of replacing these types of keys can be as high as $500 or more.
You can also attach an RFID tracker to your keychain in case you misplace it. These are typically small devices that are available from a variety of hardware stores and can be used with an app to monitor the location of your lost keys. They can increase the cost of replacing electronic keys, but they are an affordable and efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past having lost your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and could have cost you money for a time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents had in their day, and misplacing your keys can be an issue, but it doesn't have to break the bank to get back on the road.