key replacements of Replacement Car Keys
It's a big hassle to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is also a major 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 increase the cost.
Year & Make a Car
It's been a long time since where a single lost car key wasn't such a big deal. The keys of modern-day cars that are more sophisticated, are expensive to buy. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.
Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices equipped with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips that are all linked to your specific vehicle. This is a complicated procedure that requires specific tools and training.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on replacement car keys. Comparing prices and features of keys will give you a an idea of much you'll have to have to pay for new keys.
The year and make of your car will have a major effect on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Most modern vehicles come with advanced transponder chips that require to be paired with the car by a dealer or auto locksmith which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Keys that are older and with no transponder chips will be much more affordable to replace. Additionally you could save money on new car keys through a third-party service or purchasing a new key online.
Consider buying an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in case they go missing. These devices attach directly to your keys and can be easily used with a smartphone application.
It's important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing your car keys can be costly, and it's recommended to keep an extra set of keys in your vehicle at all times. If you don't have an extra key, you should check with your dealer if they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the vehicle warranty or an additional roadside assistance add-on. These programs will cover replacement car key costs up to $400 per year. They are well worth the peace of mind they offer.
Technology Type
While keys for cars and remotes may appear to be ordinary metal pieces, they are actually tiny electronic devices. As such there's more to them than meets the eye -- which makes them expensive to replace.
The type of key that you have will also impact the cost of replacement. Standard key fobs are relatively inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as durable as the modern models that include an additional layer of security. They have a unique key head that has a small chip inside that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the authenticity of the key. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to function even if the ridges and grooves are the same as the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they require two steps to make laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.
In some cases the locksmith may have to remove the transponder from its socket to programme it correctly. This is a risky job that should only be performed by a professional locksmith. The process can be long and costly if they have to replace other parts, including the housing that holds the chip.
You'll have to take your car to a dealer to have an ignition key programmed. You'll need evidence of ownership, such as the registration papers or title documents. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to make an order and match a new key to the key you have already.
Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. However, he is forced to turn away clients with the newer models because he doesn't have the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. It's important to choose a local dealership or locksmith that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provide a variety of services. This will save you money on the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your keys to your car.
Where You Live
When you live can impact the price the locksmith or dealer will charge for key replacement. The prices are higher in big cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider has to travel further to get to you and this translates into higher prices.
Another factor that can impact the cost of replacing your car keys is the time and location you lose your keys. If you lose your keys on an evening or on a holiday, it will add to the overall price. You could also be charged extra for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician to show up.
The type of key you're using will also influence the cost. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. Those keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.
Some of these high tech keys require to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could take an hour or more of time and is another reason the price will be higher than a standard key.
Those who have older cars with standard keys that don't contain transponder chips typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that 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 are connected to the car's computer in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. If you lost your keys and aren't able to locate them, you could call the dealership where you bought the car but that's not always an option.
You might be able to submit an insurance claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA might also be able to help but they'll only provide an entry level key and not the most advanced technology.
Security Features
Losing your car keys can be a huge hassle, but it's also an opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle. This is a danger that all drivers have to face. It's crucial to budget for the cost of a new key.
There are many factors that impact the price of replacement keys. This includes the year and model of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the key technology is and the security features in the keys. It's also important to decide whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service like AAA, which can add to the overall cost of replacing a lost key.
Traditional keys made of metal which don't have a transponder chip in them are a lot less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key must be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost as much as $200 or more.
Key fobs are available in a variety of cars that connect to the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. They are a lot more difficult to copy, and they are designed to prevent theft. These keys can cost up to $500 or more.
You can also add a tracker to your keychain in case you misplace it. These small devices can be bought at most hardware stores and used 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 efficient option for the majority of people.
In the past, losing your car keys could be a major issue and cost you money for a while. Nowadays, we are more technologically advanced than in the past, so losing your keys is a hassle. But it doesn't need to be costly to get back on the road.