12 Companies Setting The Standard In Cost Of Replacement Car Key
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.
Calling an auto locksmith is the cheapest and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they typically increase the cost.
Year & Make a Car
It's been a long time since when a lost car key wasn't a big deal. The keys of modern-day cars which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to purchase. Losing your smart keys could cost you up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in tiny size, with circuitry and a battery are connected to the vehicle. This is a difficult process that requires specialized tools and training.
There are many ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to purchasing you will be better informed about the price you can anticipate spending on new keys.
One of the most important factors that can influence the cost of replacement keys replacement for cars for your car is the year and the make of the vehicle. Many modern cars come with transponder chips which need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive procedure.
Keys for older cars and vehicles with no transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. Additionally you could save money on new car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing a new key online.
You should consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event they are lost. These devices can be attached to your keys and are easy to use using the smartphone app.
Keep in mind 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 a spare key, check with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the warranty for your vehicle, or as an extra roadside assistance option. These programs can provide replacement car keys that can be as high as $400 per year. They're worth the security they offer.
Technology Type
While remote fobs and keys for cars might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually miniscule electronic devices. As such they have more to them than what's apparent -- and this is why they're expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also influence the cost of replacement. Standard key fobs 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 with a small chip inside that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is legitimate. A duplicate key cannot work without the chip even having the same ridges and grooves as the original. These are much more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps to make the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances a locksmith may need to take apart the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a locksmith with special training. If they are required to replace other parts such as the housing which houses a chip, the process is time-consuming and expensive.
For the most recent models of automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle into the dealership to have a new key programmed to your vehicle. It will be necessary to present evidence of ownership, like your registration or title papers. Also, you'll need to wait for the dealer to make an order and match a new key to your current key.
Genesky claims that he is able to cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who own the latest models of cars because there isn't the costly equipment required to program their keys. This is why it's crucial to find a local locksmith or dealer that can provide an array of services and can accommodate any type of vehicle. This will ultimately help you save money in the end when it comes to repairing and replacing your keys to your car that have been stolen or lost.
Where You Live
The location of your home can impact the price the locksmith or auto dealer will charge 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 an isolated town or rural area. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel further to get to your location, which means more expensive costs.
The timing and location of the loss could also impact the cost. The cost of replacing a key will increase if you lose them during holidays or during the night. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive.
The type of key you're using will also influence the cost. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, keys fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using more advanced technology will be more expensive.
Some of these high tech keys require to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can take up to an hour or more of time and is a reason why the cost will be more expensive than a basic key.
People who own older cars with standard keys that do not contain transponder chips typically pay less for an entirely new key. Standard key cutting typically requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is suitable for the vehicle.
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've lost your keys and are unable locate them, you could try calling the car dealership where you bought your car but that's not always an option.
Depending on your insurance policy depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to file a claim with them to pay for the replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies like AAA could be able assist you with this however they'll likely only give a simple key and not the more advanced technology.
Security Features
The loss of your car keys can be a huge inconvenience however, it also presents an opportunity for someone to take your car. This is a danger that all drivers are required to take. It is important to plan for the cost of a new car key.
There are many factors that influence the cost of keys replacement. These include 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 utilize an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA, which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing the lost key.
Traditional car keys made of metal which don't have a transponder chip in them are much cheaper to replace. They can typically be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. However, a newer smart key needs to be paired with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now offered in many cars that connect to the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are harder to duplicate and are specifically made to guard against theft. The cost to replace these types of keys can be up to $500 or more.
You can also opt to have a tracker added to your keychain to help locate it should you lose it. These tiny devices can be purchased at most hardware stores and can be used with an app that tracks your lost key. While they can add to the cost of replacement car keys of replacing e keys, they can also be an affordable and effective solution for most people.
In the past having lost your car keys could be a major issue and could have cost you money for a time. Nowadays, however of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their time, and losing your keys is an issue but it doesn't need to break the bank to get back on the road.