Cost of Replacement Car Keys

Losing your car keys is an immense trouble. The cost of replacing them is also an enormous expense.

Contacting an auto locksmith is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your key copied by a specialist dealer, but they will charge you more.

Year and Make of the Vehicle

The days when a lost car key was not a major issue are over. The keys of today's cars which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to buy. The loss of your smart key could cost you up to $350.

Modern vehicles utilize electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are electronic devices that have circuitry, a battery and transponder chips that are all linked to your vehicle's specific model. This is a difficult procedure that requires specific tools and training.

Fortunately, there are ways to save money on car keys replacement. By comparing prices for keys and features prior to buying you will be better aware of the amount you can expect to spend on new keys.

The year and the make of your vehicle will have a major impact on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Many newer cars have transponder chips that need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly procedure.

It will be cheaper to replace old cars and keys that don't contain transponder chips. In addition, you can often save money on new car keys through a third-party service or purchasing your new key online.

You may also want to look into buying an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that can help you locate your car keys should they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys, and are easily accessible by using a smartphone app.

Keep in mind that losing or misplacing keys to your car could be expensive. It is best to always have a spare. If you don't have an extra, it's worth consulting your dealer to find out if they offer an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of your vehicle's warranty, roadside assistance extra add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs can pay for replacement car keys of up to $400 per year. They're worth the peace of mind they offer.

Technology Type

While remote fobs and car keys may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. As such they have more to them than meets the eye -- which is why they're expensive to replace.

The type of key you have will also influence the cost of replacement. Key fobs of the standard type can be duplicated fairly cheaply, but are not as durable as the latest models with an extra layer of security. They come with a specific key head that has a tiny chip in it that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is valid. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work, even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. They are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.

In some instances a locksmith may need to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should be handled only by a locksmith who is trained. If they have to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses a chip, the process could be lengthy and costly.

For the most recent models of automobiles, you'll have to bring your car into an auto dealer to get a new key programed to your vehicle. This requires you to provide proof of ownership like the title or registration papers. Also, you'll need wait a few days for the dealer to purchase a new key for your car and match it with your existing one.

Genesky says that he's able to program keys and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. However, he has to turn away clients with the most recent models of cars since they don't have the high-priced equipment needed to program keys for them. This is why it's important to find a locksmith in your area or dealership that offers many services and can accommodate any kind of vehicle. This will save you money on the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your car keys.

Where You Live

The location of your home will affect the cost the locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace a key. 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 due to the fact that a service provider must travel farther to reach you, which means higher costs.

The timing and location of the loss may also impact the cost. The cost of a replacement key will be higher if lose them during a holiday, or in the night. You could also be charged additional due to the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a service technician to arrive.

The type of key you're using can also impact the cost. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, keys fobs, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using higher-tech keys will be more expensive.

Certain of these keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take about an hour or more, and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a basic one.

Older cars without transponder chips and standard keys are less expensive to purchase a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the vehicle.

A lot of keys require that they are paired with the vehicle’s computer for unlocking the doors and start the engines. If you have lost key replacement car your keys and are unable to locate them, you could call the dealership you bought the car however that isn't always an option.

You may be able file a claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA may also be able of assistance but they'll only provide the basic key, and not the latest technology.

Security Features

It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give an individual the chance to rob your vehicle. This is a danger that all drivers must face. It is important to plan for the cost of a new key.

There are a variety of factors that impact the price of replacement keys. These include the year and make of your vehicle, the level of sophistication 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 service like AAA which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing a lost key.

Traditional keys made of metal that don't have a transponder chip in them are much cheaper to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. However, a smarter key has to be linked with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can cost as much as $200 or more.

Key fobs are now offered in a variety of cars that connect to the vehicle's computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are much harder to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. The cost of replacement car key - official site, of replacing keys of this kind could be as high as $500 or more.

You could also decide to have a tracker added to your keychain to help locate it in the event that you lose it. These small devices can be bought at most hardware stores and utilized with an app to track your key that you lost. 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 when you lost your keys to your car was an enormous issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a period of time. Nowadays, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys is a hassle. However, it doesn't have to be expensive to get you back on the road.