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Cost of Replacement Car Keys
Losing your car keys is an enormous hassle. The cost of replacing them is an enormous expense.
A call to an auto locksmith is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also have your keys copied at an expert dealer, however they will charge you more.
Year & Make of Vehicle
Long gone are the days where a single lost car key wasn't a big deal. Today's cars are more advanced, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact, if you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
This is because modern cars use electronic keys and fobs to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs, which are electronic devices of a tiny sizes, with circuitry and batteries, are paired with the vehicle. This is a sophisticated procedure that requires specialized tools and knowledge to master.
There are a variety of ways to save money on new car keys. By comparing prices for 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 for your car is the year and make of the vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips which need to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive procedure.
Keys that are older and with no transponder chips will be much more affordable to replace. You can save money by purchasing online or using a third-party service to replace your car keys.
You may also want to think about purchasing a portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag which can assist you in finding your car keys in case they are lost. These devices attach to your keys and are simple to use via a smartphone app.
It's important to remember that misplacing or losing your car keys can be costly, so it's advisable to keep an extra key on hand at all times. If you don't have a spare, it's worth checking with your dealership to find out if they offer a free key replacement program as part of the warranty for your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs provide up to $400 worth of cost of replacement keys for your car each year, and are well worth it for the security they offer.
Technology Type
Although keys to cars and remote controls might appear to be basic metal pieces, they're actually miniature electronic devices. Therefore, they're more complicated than they appear. This means they're expensive to replace.
The type of key you're using also affects how much it will cost you to purchase a replacement. Key fobs of the standard type can be duplicated relatively cheaply however they aren't as durable as modern models that come with an extra layer of security. These have a special key head with a small chip in it that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the key is legitimate. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work, even in the event that the grooves and ridges are identical to the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional ones because they require two steps that include cutting the laser and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some instances a locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a risky job that should be performed only by a locksmith who has specialized training. The process could be extremely time-consuming and expensive if they have to replace other parts such as the housing that houses the chip.
For the most current model automobiles, you'll need bring your car into a dealership to have a new key programmed to your vehicle. This requires you to show proof of ownership such as the title or registration papers. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days for the dealer to order an additional key for your vehicle and then pair it with your current one.
Genesky says he is able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for about $200-$250. He has to turn away customers with the latest models of cars as they don't have the costly equipment required to program their keys. It's important to choose an auto dealer or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and provides a variety of services. This will help you save money in the long run when it's time to replace or repair your lost car keys.
Where You Live
The location of your house will affect the cost the locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace the key. If you reside in a large city it is likely to be more expensive than if you resided in rural or a small town area. This is because the service provider has to travel further to reach your location, which means higher costs.
The timing and location of the loss can also impact the cost. The cost of a replacement key is higher if you lose them on the weekend or at night. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician.
The type of key you own can also impact the price. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others have transponder chips, keys fobs or smart keys. Those 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 up to an hour or more and is a reason why the cost will be higher than a standard key.
Older vehicles without transponder chips or standard keys will cost less to buy a new key. Standard key cutting typically only requires a look at the cuts on the car's ignition or using a VIN number to determine the right key for the vehicle.
Many of these keys require that they are paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and start the engine. If you have lost your keys and aren't able to find them, you can call the dealership where you bought your car, but that is not always an option.
If auto key replacement is in place It may be possible to file a claim with them to cover the cost of the replacement key or key fob. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA may also be able to assist, but they will likely provide the basic key, and not the latest technology.
Security Features
The loss of your car keys can be a major hassle however, it also presents an opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk that every driver faces it's crucial to know the cost of replacing the car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.
There are many factors that impact the price of keys replacement. The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the year and model of your vehicle as well as the technology used in the key, and security features. It's also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA which could make a difference in the total cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional car keys made of metal that don't come with transponder chips are much cheaper to replace. These can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and connected to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost as high as $200 or more.
Key fobs are now available in many vehicles which communicate with the car's computer via radio frequency identification. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to stop theft. These keys can cost $500 or more.
You could also decide to have a tracker added to your keychain in order to help locate it in the event that you lose it. These small devices can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores and are utilized with an app to track your lost key. While they can increase the overall cost of replacing e keys, they are an affordable and efficient solution for most people.
In the past the past, losing a set of car keys was a big issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a period of time. Nowadays, we have more technology than in the past, so losing your keys can be an issue. But it doesn't need to be expensive to get back behind the wheel.