Car Key Replacement Cost
Replacing your car's key could be costly. In some cases you can get the process covered by a key protection plan, which is often offered as an additional option or as a part of your insurance policy.
The cost of replacing your car keys can vary dependent on the year the model, make and year of your vehicle. In this article, we will break down the factors that impact replacement car key costs.
What is the model and make of your vehicle?
It's always a hassle to lose your car keys, but it's even worse when you don't have spare keys. This is because in most instances, you'll have to get an entire new set of keys if you wish to be able to use your vehicle once again. The cost of replacing a car's key can vary greatly depending on the type of vehicle. Modern cars come with a broad array of features that can make it more expensive to replace your keys. For car key replacements , sports cars with high performance typically have specialized keys which can be costly to duplicate.
It's also more costly to duplicate older mechanical keys because they require the expertise of a dealer to work. It's important that you know the make and model of your vehicle prior to asking a quote from an automotive dealer or locksmith. You will then be able to obtain a fair price estimate.
The complexity of your key system can affect the cost. For instance, modern keys fobs have a battery and electronic circuitry, making them more difficult to replace than keys from the past.
Some car owners visit the dealer to duplicate their vehicle keys because they believe it's cheaper. However, that's not necessarily true, since the dealership is likely to charge an extra fee for their services. This is because the dealership's primary goal is to earn a profit from their customers.
You may want to consider hiring a third party company to replace your car keys if you are unable to afford it at the dealership. They may be able to offer you a more competitive cost than the dealership and they'll likely have a more knowledgeable team to help you with your key replacement needs.
It is also important to note that it's best to avoid hardware stores or companies that are third party to have your keys duplicated. These businesses lack the expertise to duplicate your car keys. They are also more likely to not make a poor replacement or alter the original key.
The Automotive Locksmith You Use
If you've ever had to lock the keys to your car inside it's a hassle that nobody wants to deal with. This scenario can happen at the worst time possible, such as when you are running late for an important event or meeting. If you're looking for a fast and cost-effective solution, you should call an auto locksmith rather than going to the dealership.
Car keys and FOBs are miniature electronic devices that have circuitry and have a special transponder chip that has to be programmed to be able to start the vehicle. In the past the chips were placed in the ignition cylinder. As technology improved and the chips were relocated to the keyfobs. This made the key fobs more secure and harder to duplicate however, it also increased the cost of replacements and repairs due to the fact that these new key fobs needed to be programmed by an automotive locksmith or the dealer to function.
Many locksmiths in the automotive industry are capable of working with the newer systems. They can program your new FOBs so that they work with your vehicle and can even take out old ones that aren't working. The cost will depend on the year and make.
The type of key you require will also impact the price. The majority of vehicles have two kinds of keys: a conventional metal fob that's not attached to the ignition or any other electrical component, and a remote key that locks and unlocks the doors. The former type is usually the cheapest to replace as it does not require programming and can be cut by an auto locksmith using a special blank.
The second type of key is more costly to replace because it requires a transponder chip to unlock the car. This is why it's important to use an authorized locksmith for your vehicle when you require a new one for your vehicle. If you attempt to do it yourself, or use tools such as coat hangers, you can cause damage to the lock and the key may not work.
The Kind of Key You Will Need
There are a variety of keys for cars. Certain keys are mechanical and must be inserted directly into the ignition cylinder. Others contain transponders that are able to unlock doors and start the engine remotely. The cost of replacing the latter is greater, since it needs to be programmed by a professional to your vehicle. Locksmiths have adapted to the latest technology so that you don't need to visit an auto dealer to purchase these keys.
Having your keys stolen or lost isn't a good feeling however, the situation becomes more stressful when you realize you have no way to start your car and there's no where to go. In the past, you could easily get a replacement key at any hardware store, or at your car dealership. But now, with the introduction of modern security features and the ease of stealing cars via remote control, it's no longer as easy to find solutions.
You can track down your keys yourself by searching for online groups or contacting the dealer but it's not always an option. Most dealers are capable of creating a new key for your vehicle once you bring it in and they'll charge you for that service. You should also check if your warranty roadside service or bumper-to-bumper insurance covers the cost of the replacement key.
If you own a traditional mechanical key, it's relatively inexpensive to replace it if you just need to cut a new one. Most locksmiths for automotive will be able to duplicate these for under $10, though you may require more for older models that do not utilize transponder chips.
The most expensive method of obtaining a replacement car key is to visit the dealership. If you own the original key then this is the most efficient alternative. Otherwise, it's not worth the hassle, especially when the cost is covered by your insurance. If you decide to go this route, make sure you shop around for quotes and compare them between the key specialists and the dealership.
The Location
Car keys are electronic devices with circuitry and batteries. They also have transmitters that transmit a code that allows you to start your car and open the doors. They can be costly to replace in the event that you lose or break them. The cost of the key itself is small, but the time and effort required to program it to your car can be quite expensive. These costs can vary dependent on the type and complexity of the key, and also the dealer or locksmith you choose to make it.
The location of your house can affect the cost of the new car key. If you live in rural areas, there could be less automotive locksmiths to assist you. This means you will have to pay more for their services, because they'll have to travel further distances to reach you. However If you live in a city like Chicago there are likely to be a variety of locksmiths for automotive to choose from, so you can locate one that offers competitive prices for their services.
In certain situations, it is possible to save money on a new car key by simply changing the battery in the car key fob. The majority of drivers can do this if they adhere to their car's owner manual. Certain car key companies will do this for free. However, it is best to check the warranty on your car before doing so.
If you lose the car key and you don't have another, the best thing to do is go to a local dealership and get the replacement key that is compatible with the car you have. This is the most expensive but also the most reliable alternative. You can make a key on the spot when you show them your registration or your title.