How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
It is frustrating and costly to lose your car keys. cheap key replacement car to replace them is dependent on the type of key and the place where you purchase it.
Locksmiths are usually able to copy traditional keys for less than $10. However, a lot of newer vehicles are equipped with transponder chips that need to be programmed by the dealership. Keys cut with lasers and blades are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
If you lose your car keys it can be an extremely stressful and frustrating. If you have a spare car key and you are aware of the type of key you lost, it could be easier to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith could likely duplicate it quickly and easily. However, more advanced types of keys require specific knowledge to be copied. They also have to be programmed, which means you'll likely have visit your dealer to purchase a new key.
The type of key that was lost will also determine how much it costs to replace. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is put into the ignition cylinder is lower than the key fob which has a transponder which 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 can be affected by whether you replace it yourself or with the help a professional. Professionals usually cost more than DIY methods however they can save you a lot of time and frustration. They also have the most expertise regarding your specific vehicle.
It's worth the expense to replace the car key. It is important to be aware of all the factors that will determine the cost of replacing your car key so that you can plan for the future.
Find a local auto locksmith to receive an estimate of the cost of your car key. They can provide you with a price based on your specific car model and the make. They'll also have the tools to finish the job. Another option is to call roadside assistance, but it can be more expensive. It is important to note that your insurance company may include this service in your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they'll provide the services you require.
Dealerships
A few years ago having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn't an issue. It was easy to get your vehicle towed by roadside assistance, get a replacement key and be back on the road in no time. However, as cars have 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 the purchase of a new key remote key fob or transponder key. Instead, search for an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that offers OEM or third-party keys for a fraction of the cost. Many of these shops offer an online search tool that can help you locate a store close to you.
It is also worth looking for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, since they are typically less expensive than dealerships. The disadvantage is that they might not have the key you require in stock and may have to purchase it for you. If they do have the key you require, expect to spend between $220 and $350 for replacement and programming.
Some dealers have in-house services to replace car keys and other lockout issues, however they're still more expensive than a locksmith or independent service. This is especially true for the more popular automobile brands, such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. Key fobs and chips are more complex and expensive to replace than other manufacturers'.
If you do find yourself at the dealership, be sure to inquire about any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty might aid in reducing your bill. You may be able to get an emergency locksmith to your area who will unlock your vehicle right there and create a new key. This is a great solution if you don't have the funds to wait for days for the dealership to order the key and install it. Additionally, you may be able to save up to 50% by visiting an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center.
Independent Locksmiths
In addition to being extremely stressful, losing your car keys can be costly. The most cost-effective option to replace the lost key is to find an independent locksmith, as they typically cost less than going to a dealership and do not incur the same overhead costs.
If you already have a working key the cost of the new key will differ. If you have an existing key, the cost will be much lower since it can be copied from that key without needing to be programmed. Most of the time, mechanical keys that do not include a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10.
Modern electronic keys, on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate because they must be programmed to integrate with the system of your vehicle. 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 an encryption device.
It is also important to remember that the location of the vehicle may impact the cost of a new key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, having your car key replaced can be more costly as there might not be any one near to assist with the procedure. car replacement key fob in this situation depend on assistance from the roadside, but it can be expensive and only cover a portion of the cost.
When calculating the cost of replacing a key, it's important to remember that many locksmiths who are independent offer discounts to new customers or those who refer their services to others. This is due to the fact that they wish to expand their business and rely on word-of-mouth marketing, as opposed to expensive advertisements.
One final tip is to always keep an extra key on hand, since this will not only save you from the stress of dealing with lost car keys, but it will also cost less than trying to replace keys that have been lost at the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost to replace your car keys, contact your insurance provider and ask for more information. Although they typically do not cover lost keys to cars however, some offer it as a premium addition.
Replacement Keys
If you've lost your key or just need to replace an older one there are a lot of factors that could be factored into the cost of purchasing a new car key. The first thing you should note down the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number), as this will assist you in determining where you need to go to obtain an additional key. The VIN number is on the dashboard of the driver, or in the owner's manual.
You may have to visit a dealer in order to obtain a new key if yours contains an electronic transponder. These chips communicate with the vehicle in order to start it, so they must be programmed in order to function. This is accomplished using special machines, which are typically only available through dealerships and cost as much as $200 for the new fob and key.
If your car is equipped with traditional keys that do not have transponder chips, you should be able to locate a locksmith who will duplicate it at a lower price. It could cost as little as $10 for a set of keys or up to $150 depending on the type.
Different types of keys are more difficult to replicate and can be more expensive. If you own a switchblade key that folds down into a fob, this can be more expensive than other keys because it requires more effort to create. Smart keys, which use the proximity sensor to unlock the car door, are another expensive option. It can be difficult to reprogram and usually will cost you the most for a replacement key.
You can locate an auto-locksmith local to you who is familiar with the brand you own if you don't need to visit an auto dealer. They are more likely to be able give you a lower quote and be more reliable that a dealership. Some even provide mobile services that will come to your workplace or at home to cut and program the keys for you.