Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is a huge trouble. Even worse, the cost of replacing them can be a significant 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 typically charge extra.
Year and Make of vehicle
The days are long gone where a single lost car key wasn't important. Nowadays, cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive to replace. The loss of your smart key could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys that allow you to open doors and begin the engine. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny size, with circuitry and batteries, are paired with the vehicle. This is a sophisticated process that requires special tools and training to master.
There are ways to save on replacement keys for your car. Comparing prices and features of keys will help you get an idea of much you will have to pay for new keys.
The year and the make of your car will have a major effect on the cost of the new keys you purchase. A lot of newer cars have high-tech transponder chips that have to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer which is a costly and time-consuming procedure.
Keys that are older and with no transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. Additionally, you can often save money on new car keys by using a third-party service or purchasing a new key on the internet.
Consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event they go missing. These devices attach directly to your keys, and can be used with a smartphone application.
Be aware that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could cost you money. It is best to always have an extra. If you don't have an extra key, you should check with your dealer to find out if they offer a free replacement program. It could be a included in the warranty of your vehicle or an additional roadside assistance feature. These programs may pay for replacement car keys up to $400 per year. They're worth the peace of mind they offer.
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While remote fobs and keys for cars might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. As such, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- which is why they're expensive to replace.
The kind of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to purchase the replacement. Key fobs that are standard are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price 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 that communicates to the computer in the car. A duplicate key won't function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same grooves and ridges as the original. These keys are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps that include cutting the laser and programming your key to your vehicle.
In certain situations a locksmith may need to take apart the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should be performed only by a locksmith with specialized training. If they have to replace other parts, such as the housing that holds a chip, the process is time-consuming and expensive.
For automotive key replacement , you'll need bring your vehicle into the dealership to have an updated key programmed to your vehicle. This requires you to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title papers. Also, you'll need wait a few days until the dealer can order a new key for your car and match it with your current one.
Genesky says he is able to do the key programming and cut for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who have the most recent models of cars since he does not have the costly equipment required to program their keys. It is essential to select an auto dealer or locksmith that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and offers a variety of services. Ultimately, this will aid you in saving money over the long term when it comes to fixing and replacing keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.
Where You Live
The location of your home will affect the cost the locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace the key. Prices are higher in larger cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider has to travel farther to get to you and this translates into more expensive costs.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing your car keys is the time and place you lose your keys. The cost of a replacement key is higher if you lose them on holidays or during the night. There is a chance that you will be charged due to the inconvenience of waiting longer for a service technician to show up.
The type of key you have will also affect the price. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys, or standard keys, while others are equipped with transponder chips, key fob or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys with modern technology will be more expensive.
Some of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could take an hour or more of time and is a reason why the price will be higher than for a basic key.
Older cars without transponder chips and standard keys will cost less to get a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cuts on the car's ignition or using a VIN number to determine the right key for the car.
Many of these keys require that they be connected to the computer in the vehicle in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. If you have lost your keys and are unable locate them, call the dealership that you purchased your car from, but that is not always an option.
Depending on your insurance policy, it may be possible to submit a claim to them to pay for the replacement key or key fob. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA may also be able of assistance, but they will likely only offer an entry level key and not the advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a major hassle however, it also presents an opportunity for someone else to take your car. While this is a danger that all drivers are exposed to it's important to understand the cost of replacing the car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.
There are a variety of factors that influence the cost of keys replacement. These include the year and model of your vehicle, how advanced the key technology is and the security features included in the keys. It is also important to consider whether you would like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance program, such as AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.
It is 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. A newer smart key has to be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost as high as $200 or more.
Many cars now come with key fobs that utilize radio frequency identification to communicate with the computer in your car. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to prevent theft. These keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You can also add an RFID tracker to your keychain in case 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 but they are an affordable and effective option for most people.
In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major hassle and put you out of money for a few days. Today, we have more technology than we did in the past, and so losing your keys is an issue. But it doesn't have to be costly to get you back on the road.