The Cost of a Replacement Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience. It's important to realize that a replacement key may not cost as much as you think.
The cost of a new car key is determined by several factors including the type of replacement key you need and the location of your home. Keys made of traditional design are the cheapest while smart keys are the most expensive.
Cost of Parts
The cost will differ based on the type of key that you need. Standard keys that have no transponder chips can be copied for anywhere between $50 to $110. The price increases if you need an ignition key with a transponder chip, or a vehicle with a push-to-start feature which requires an additional fob to turn on the car. The keys are costly to duplicate and replace, and harder to steal.
The year, make and model of your car will also affect the cost. The transponder chip in newer vehicles will have to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that the replacement key needs to be programmed to work with the car and could cost up to $200. The cost of replacement keys can also be affected by:
Auto locksmiths might be the most expensive however, they don't have the tools needed to deal with advanced key fobs or vehicles. You can try to copy a basic key by yourself at a hardware store but the process is time-consuming and can be difficult if you do not have the proper tools. You can also contact roadside assistance to request a replacement key. However, they will take your vehicle to a dealer and the process can take a few days.
If you have an older key fob, it's recommended to purchase laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them by yourself. This is becoming more difficult as a lot of key fobs come with security features that prevent theft. Numerous companies offer software to design keys. However, these are only an option to customers who have service contracts. In attempting to circumvent these restrictions can lead to problems, since locksmiths generally do not allow cars to be opened if they have been forced or tampered with. If you are able to use wire hangers or some other method to open the car, that will also signal red flags to insurance providers.
Cost of Labor
The kind of car key you require will determine the amount it will cost to replace. A standard double-edged car keys can be duplicated at your local hardware store for less than $10. To program and create more advanced keys, you'll need special machines. This can dramatically increase the cost of replacing your car key.
You'll also require a new key fob if the vehicle is equipped with one to unlock and start it. It could cost up to $200, based on the model and brand of your vehicle. Many modern vehicles have transponders in the keys which must be programmed and re-installed in order to work correctly. This is a price that is hard to estimate before the key is lost and must be replaced.
To make a new replacement key, a specially-designed cutting machine is required. They are expensive and aren't readily available to people who do not have an auto mechanic shop. In addition, the housing of the key needs to be replaced too and this can increase the overall costs of making the replacement key for your car.
Depending on the type of car key it is possible that you will need to purchase other replacement parts. For example, some key fobs include features like panic buttons and remote lock/unlock which can increase the total cost. Additionally, some key fobs require batteries that can be quite pricey to replace.
It is advisable to make a spare car key before you lose the one you have. This will allow you to avoid the anxiety of losing your keys, and ensure you have a backup. If you require a new car key, find a locksmith or dealer that is equipped to repair your vehicle. This will be cheaper than buying a new key from the dealership and should let you save some of the costly cost associated with those alternatives.
If you have an ignition key that requires programming, it's important to keep a record of your immobilizer code, or the key number in case you need to have it reprogrammed later on. This information is available on your registration or title, or on other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer may charge a fee for providing this information.
Cost of Equipment
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that are able to lock, unlock, and start the car by simply pressing the button. car keys replacement cost are extremely convenient, however they can also be costly to replace if lost or broken. Locksmiths can save you money by replacing keys without having to replace the device. There are a few factors to consider when the cost of replacing a car key.
The year, make & model of the vehicle.
There are many different types of keys for cars, from basic, laser cut keys to switchesblade keys. These keys are distinct, and they can be difficult to duplicate. This is especially true for modern car keys that have transponders which need to be programmed to the vehicle. This procedure can be completed by a professional, however it generally costs more than a simple key copy.
The model of the vehicle will also affect the cost. Basic keys and older cars are cheaper to replace, however the most modern cars generally require a specific device to start the car, which could cost as much as $500 to replace.
The type of key as well as the location of the car may also affect the cost of a new car key. If you lose your keys in an unfamiliar area, you may be charged a higher price for towing your car to the nearest dealer to get a new key programmed. This cost is avoided by keeping a spare key in a safe location such as at home or at work.
It is important to note that the new key will probably require programming by the dealer. This is due to the fact that most major dealers don't offer mobile key programming facilities and are able to do this in their workshop. It can be costly if you lose your only set of keys. It's advisable to keep a spare set with you.
Cost of replacing keys
Based on the make and model of your car You may need to purchase replacement keys from an auto dealer or locksmith. Before you do this, make sure to check the type of your car's keys and whether it has a transponder chip or smart key technology. These technologies could increase the cost of replacing your car's keys.
A traditional car that does not have a keyfob can be affordable and can be duplicated in an area hardware store for less than $25. It's a good idea have a backup in case you lose the original.
Modern cars have keys that emit an electronic signal to unlock and start the car. It's a hassle to replace in the event of a loss and you'll have to contact the manufacturer to get an alternative one and then pair it with your vehicle. The cost of a replacement key fob can be anywhere between $50 and $150.
In certain instances, you can replace a keyfob at the dealer if you provide evidence of ownership, like a registration or title. However, the dealer could still charge an extra fee for the service to cover travel expenses and time spent in an unreachable location. Alternately, you can purchase an aftermarket key online, or even directly from the manufacturer. This is a cheaper option, but may be a bit more risky since the quality of the keys cannot be guaranteed.
Never try to hack into your car using wire hangers or force. This could trigger alarms and make it harder for locksmiths to open the door. This could also result in damage to the lock, which will result in higher costs for repairs or replacements. If you can locate the car keys, it might be worth it to have them cloned by an auto expert instead of at the dealership. This could save you a lot of cash, particularly if have a spare key at home.