How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
The loss of your car keys can be costly and frustrating. The cost of replacing keys varies based on where you are and what kind of key you have made.
Traditional keys can be copied by a locksmith for less than $10 but many newer cars use transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Keys that are laser cut and blades are more expensive, and require an appointment with a dealer.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
The loss of your car keys can be stressful and frustrating. If you have an extra car key and you know the type of key you lost, it could be easier to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith can likely make a duplicate quickly and easily. To copy more advanced keys, you'll need specific knowledge. They also need to be programmed, which means you'll likely have visit your dealer to purchase a new key.
The type of key that is lost will also determine the cost to replace it. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is put into the ignition cylinder is much less than a key fob that has a transponder which must be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob if it is equipped with a switchblade or other particular features.
The cost of replacing your car keys can depend on the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help a professional. Professionals are more expensive than DIY methods but can save you time and frustration. They also have the most knowledge of your specific model of car.
It's a good idea to replace a car key. You should familiarize yourself with all the variables that affect the cost of replacing your car key so that you can plan for the future.
Find a local auto-locksmith to get an estimate on the cost of your car key. They can provide you with a quote based on the particular car model and model. They will have the equipment to perform a great job. Roadside assistance is another option, but it can be costly. It's also worth noting that your insurance company might offer this service as part of your policy. However it's not a guarantee that they will provide the services you need.
Dealerships
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or losing them was not a big problem. It was simple to get your car towed by roadside assistance, obtain a replacement key and be back on the road in a short time. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so too have their keys. This makes them more costly to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the most efficient way to cut costs, unless you need a new key remote, transponder or key fob. Instead, search for an independent locksmith or car key replacement shop that can provide OEM or third-party keys at much less cost. Many of these stores have an online search tool that can help you find an in-store.
It is also worth looking for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, as they are typically less expensive than dealerships. The downside is that they may not have the type of key you require in stock and may need to order it for you. If they do have the key, you can expect to pay between $200 and $350.
Dealers might offer in-house services to replace car keys or solve other lockout issues, but these are still more expensive than a locksmith who is independent. This is especially relevant to the most well-known brands of car such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chips are more complicated and expensive to replace than other brands'.
If you arrive at the dealership, make sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If car fob replacement key do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may lower your cost. They may be able to send an emergency locksmith to your home to unlock the car and make a new key on the spot. This is a great solution when you don't have the time to wait around for your dealership to install and order your key. In addition, you may be able to save up to 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the service center of the dealership.
Independent Locksmiths
Losing your car keys is not just stressful, it can also be costly. Independent locksmiths are the most economical way to replace lost keys. They are less expensive than dealerships and do not have as many overhead costs.
If you already have a working key, the cost of a new key can vary. If you already have a key it will cost less since it can be copied from that key without having to be programmed. Mechanical keys that are older and without a transponder can be copied for less than $10.
Modern electronic keys, however, are more expensive to duplicate as they must be programmed to work with your vehicle's system. The process can differ based on the model and make of your car. It could be as easy or complex as entering a code, or using a decryptor.
It is also important to keep in mind that the location of the vehicle can affect the cost of a new car key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, having the car key replaced could be more expensive as there may not be anyone close to help with the process. Most people in this situation depend on roadside assistance however it can be expensive and only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that is helpful when you calculate the cost of replacing your keys is that a lot of locksmiths will offer discounts on their services to first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. They do this to encourage their business to expand and rely more on word-of mouth marketing rather than expensive advertising.
One final tip is to always keep an extra key in case of loss, as this will not only save you from the stress of dealing with a lost car key however, it will cost less than trying to replace lost keys at the last minute. If you are worried about the cost of replacing your car keys contact your insurance provider for more details on their terms and conditions. Certain insurance companies provide a premium to cover keys that are lost.
Replacement Keys
Whether you lost your key or you simply want to replace an older key, there are a number of factors that could be factored into the cost of purchasing a new car key. You should first write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car. This will help you to determine where to go to find a replacement key. This number can be found on the driver's dashboard or in the owner's manual.
You may have to visit a dealer to obtain a new keys when yours is equipped with an electronic transponder. The chips need to be programmed, as they communicate with the vehicle in order to allow it to start. This is done using special machines, which are usually only available at dealerships and can cost up to $200 for a new key and fob.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key with no transponder chips, a locksmith should be able duplicate it at a cheaper cost. It could cost as little as $10 for keys or as much as $150 based on the type.
Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and therefore more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds up into fobs, is typically more expensive than any other kind of key because it requires more effort to make. Another expensive option is a smart lock, that uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key can be expensive.
There is a local auto-locksmith who is familiar with the brand you drive if you don't prefer to visit an auto dealer. They are more likely to capable of offering a lower quote and be more reliable than dealerships. Some even offer mobile services that will come to your home or workplace to cut and program your keys for you.