How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
It's a pain and a cost to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing keys is contingent on the type of key you have and the place where you purchase it.
Locksmiths are usually able to copy traditional keys for less than $10. However, the majority of modern vehicles use transponder chip technology which must be programmed at the dealership. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require a trip to the dealership.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
If you lose your car keys it can be a an extremely stressful and difficult. However, if you have an additional key and know the kind of car key you lost, the process could be a bit easier. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith will likely duplicate it quickly and easily. To duplicate more sophisticated keys, you'll need special skills. These keys also need to be reprogrammed. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase a new one.
The type of lost key will also determine the cost of replacing it. For example, traditional mechanical keys that simply insert into the ignition cylinder will cost less to replace than a key fob, which has a special transponder that must be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob if it's equipped with a switchblade or specific features.
The cost of replacing your car keys may also be affected by the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help of an expert. Professionals will usually cost more than DIY methods however, they can save you a lot of time and frustration. They also have the most experience with the particular model of vehicle.
It's worth the cost to replace keys to your car. It is important to be aware of all the variables that determine the cost of replacing your car keys to be able to plan ahead.
The best way to figure out how much your car key will cost is to locate an auto locksmith in your area. They will be able provide you with a quote based upon the particular car model and make. They will have the necessary equipment to complete the job. Roadside assistance is a different option, but it can be expensive. It is important to note that your insurance provider might include this service in your policy. It's not a guarantee, however, that they'll provide the services you need.
Dealerships
It wasn't long ago that losing your keys to your car or losing them was not a big issue. It was easy to have your car towed by roadside assistance, obtain a replacement key and be back on the road in a short time. As cars become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, making them more expensive to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the best way to cut down on expenses, unless you need an entirely new key remote, transponder or key fob. Instead, find an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that can provide OEM or third-party keys at much less cost. A lot of these shops provide an online search tool to assist you in finding a store close to you.
It is also advisable to find a service that can cut and program a standard key, because they're typically cheaper than a dealership. The downside is that they may not have the key you require and may need to order it for you. If they do have the key you require expect to pay between $220 to $350 for the replacement and programming.
Some dealers have in-house services to replace car keys and other lockout issues, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or independent service. This is particularly true for the more popular models of cars, such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. The key chips and fobs are more complex and costly to replace than those of other manufacturers'.
If you find yourself at a dealership, make sure to ask if there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty could lower your cost. They may even be able to send a mobile locksmith to your location to unlock the car and make a new key on the spot. This is a great solution if you don't have the funds to wait for days for the dealership to purchase your key and install it. 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 not just stressful, it can also be costly. The most cost-effective method to replace a lost key is to search for an independent locksmith as they typically cost less than going to the dealership and do not have the same overhead expenses.
The cost of a replacement key can depend on whether or not you have an existing working key to copy from. If you have an existing key that you have, the cost will be much lower as it can be copied from the key without having to be programmed. Older mechanical keys without a transponder can be copied for just $10.
On the other hand, modern electronic key fobs are more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to work with the car's system. Based on the model and make the process could be as simple as typing the code or as intricate as utilizing a decryptor to modify the key for proper operation.
Lastly, it is important to remember that the location of your car will also affect the cost of acquiring a new key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, getting the car key replaced could be more costly as there might not be any one close to help with the process. The majority of people in this scenario depend on roadside assistance, but it can be costly and only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that can be helpful to remember when calculating the cost of replacing your keys is that many independent locksmiths offer discounts on their services to first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. recommended do this as they want their business to grow and rely more on word-of mouth marketing than expensive advertisements.
One final tip is to always keep an extra key in case of loss, as this will not only keep you from the hassle of dealing with the loss of a car key however, it will be less expensive than trying to replace keys that have been lost at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost to replace your car key, call your insurance company and ask for more information. While they usually do not cover lost car keys, some of them offer it as a premium addition.
Replacement Keys
There are a variety of aspects that could affect the cost of an additional key for your car, regardless of whether you've lost yours or need to replace one. The first thing you should note down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) to help you determine where you'll need to go to obtain a new key. The VIN number is located on the driver's side of your dashboard or in the owner's manual.
Depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle You may have go to a dealership in order to get new keys, particularly in the case of an electronic transponder chip. These chips must be programmed, as they communicate with the vehicle to begin it. This is done with special machines, which are usually only available at dealerships and can cost up to $200 for the new fob and key.
If your car is equipped with traditional keys that do not have transponder chips, a locksmith should be able duplicate it at a cheaper cost. Depending on the kind of key, this can be as little as $10 or up to $150 for a whole set of replacement keys.
Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and are more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds down into fobs, is generally more expensive than any other type of key because it takes more work to produce. Smart keys, which make use of the proximity sensor to unlock the car's door, are another expensive option. It is difficult to reprogram, and typically will cost you the most for a replacement key.
You can find an auto-locksmith local to you who is familiar with the model that you drive if want to go to the dealership. They are more likely to able give you a lower quote and be more reliable than dealers. Some even offer mobile service that allow them to visit your workplace or home to cut and program your keys for you.