How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
It's a pain and a cost to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is dependent on the type of key you have and where you get it made.
Locksmiths can typically duplicate traditional keys for less than $10. However, a lot of newer automobiles use transponder chip technology that need to be programmed by the dealership. Keys cut with lasers and blades are more expensive and require an appointment with a dealer.
Model and Make of Your Vehicle
Losing your car keys can be a stressful and frustrating experience. If you do have an additional key and are aware of the kind of car key you lost, the process may be a little easier. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith could likely duplicate it quickly and easily. To copy more advanced keys, you'll require special knowledge. These keys also need to be reprogrammed. You'll be required to visit a dealer to obtain a replacement.
The type of key lost will also determine the cost of replacing it. For example, traditional mechanical keys that are inserted into the ignition cylinder are less expensive to replace than a key fob, which has a special transponder that must be programmed. It will also cost more to replace if it comes with the switchblade key, or other specialized features.
The cost of replacing your car keys may depend on whether you replace it yourself or with the help by a professional. Professionals usually cost more than DIY methods, but they can save you time and frustration. They'll also have the best knowledge of your specific model of vehicle.
It's worth the expense to replace keys to your car. You should familiarize yourself with all the elements that determine the cost of replacing your car keys so you can plan ahead.
Find a local auto locksmith to get an estimate on the cost of your car key. They will be able to provide you with a quote based upon your specific car model and make. They'll also have the equipment needed to do a quality job. Another option is calling roadside assistance, however it can be more expensive. It's important to note that your insurance company might provide this service as part of your policy. However it's not an assurance that they will provide the services you require.
Dealerships
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing keys was not a huge problem. You could contact roadside assistance to get your car towed to the dealership, get a new key, and be back on the road in no time. As cars become more advanced in technology, so too have their keys. This makes them more expensive to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the best way to cut down on costs, unless you require an entirely new key remote, transponder or key fob. Find a local independent locksmith or key replacement shop that can provide OEM or 3rd party keys at less than the cost. Many of these shops have an online search tool that will help you locate the nearest store.
It is also advisable to locate a shop that can cut and program a standard-sized key, since they're generally less expensive than a dealership. The disadvantage is that they might not have the key you need in stock and may have to purchase it for you. If they do have the key you need, expect to spend between $220 and $350 for the replacement and programming.
Some dealers offer in-house services to replace car keys and other lockout issues, however they're still more expensive than a locksmith or an independent service. This is particularly true for the more popular models of cars like Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. Key fobs and chip replacements are more costly and complex for these manufacturers.
If you do end up at the dealership, be sure to check for any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, contacting the dealership and mentioning the warranty may help you save money. It is possible to have an emergency locksmith to your area who will unlock your car on the spot and make a replacement key. This is an excellent option for those who don't have the time to wait around for your dealership to install and order your key. Moreover, you might be in a position to save as much as 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center.
Independent Locksmiths
The loss of your car keys is not just stressful, it can also be expensive. The most budget-friendly method to replace keys that have been lost is to find an independent locksmith, as they are usually cheaper than going to a dealership and do not have the same overhead expenses.
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 less since it can be copied from that key without needing to be programmed. Older mechanical keys without a transponder can be copied for just $10.
On the other side, modern electronic key fobs are a lot more expensive to duplicate because they require programming in order to work with your car's security system. Based on experienced and model the process could be as easy as entering the code, or as complicated as using a special decryptor to reprogram the key to ensure proper operation.
It is also important to remember that the location of the vehicle can influence the cost of a new key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, having your car keys replaced can be more costly as there may not be anyone close to help with the process. This is because most people in this position rely on roadside assistance, however these services can be pricey and will usually only cover a small portion of the costs involved.
When making a decision on the cost of a replacement key, it is important to keep in mind that many locksmiths who are independent offer discounts to new customers or to those who recommend their services to others. They do this to encourage their business to grow and rely more on word-of mouth marketing than expensive advertisements.
A final suggestion is to always keep an extra key in case of loss, as this will not only save you from the hassle of dealing with a lost car key, but it will also be much cheaper than trying to replace a lost key at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car keys, contact your insurance company and request more information. While they usually do not cover lost car keys but some of them provide it as a premium extra.
Replacement Keys
There are a variety of factors that could impact the cost of an additional key for your car, regardless of whether you have lost yours or you need to replace it. It is important to note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car. This will allow you decide where to go to get an alternative key. This number can be found on the driver's side of your dashboard or in the owner's manual.
You may need to visit a dealer to obtain a new key in the event that yours has an electronic transponder. These chips communicate with the vehicle to start it, which is why they have to be programmed to work. This is done with special equipment, which is usually only available at dealerships and cost up to $200 for the new fob and key.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key that does not have transponder chips You should be able to find a locksmith that can duplicate it at a lower price. It could cost as little as $10 for one set of keys or up to $150 based on the type.
Other kinds of keys are more difficult to replicate and could be more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds into fobs, is typically more expensive than any other kind of key because it requires more effort to make. Smart keys, which rely on the proximity sensor to unlock the car door, are another expensive option. It can be difficult to reprogram and will cost the most money for the replacement key.
If you don't have the luxury of going to a dealership for your new key, seek out an auto locksmith in your neighborhood who specializes in the brand of car you drive. They'll likely be able to offer a lower quote and be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some even offer mobile service that allow them to visit your workplace or home to cut and program keys for you.