How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
It's a pain and a cost to lose your car keys. The cost to replace them is contingent on the location and what kind of key you have made.
Locksmiths are usually able to copy traditional keys for less than $10. However, many newer automobiles use transponder chip technology which must be programmed at the dealership. Keys cut with lasers and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require an appointment with the dealer.
Model and Make of Your Vehicle
When you lose your car keys it can be an extremely stressful and difficult. However, if you own an additional key and are aware of the kind of car key you lost, the process may be a bit more straightforward. Locksmiths can make duplicates of an older mechanical key quite quickly and easily such as. To duplicate more sophisticated keys, you'll require special knowledge. They also need to be programmed, which means you'll likely have visit your dealer to purchase a new key.
The kind of key lost will also determine how much it costs to replace it. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is inserted into the ignition cylinder is much less than the key fob which has transponder, which needs to be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob if it is equipped with a switchblade or other particular features.
The decision to replace your key with the assistance of a professional or do it yourself could have an impact on the cost of replacing your car keys as well. Professionals charge more than DIY methods, but will save you time and frustration. They'll also have the most knowledge of your specific model of car.
It's worth the expense to replace a car key. It is important to be aware of all the factors that will determine the cost of replacing your car key to be able to plan ahead.
Find a local auto locksmith to get an estimate on the cost of your car key. They will be able provide you with a price based on your specific car model and the make. They will have the equipment to perform a great job. Another option is to call roadside assistance, but it can be more expensive. It's also worth noting that your insurance company might offer this service as a part of your policy. It's not a guarantee, however, that they will provide the services you need.
Dealerships
In the past, misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could just contact roadside assistance to get your car towed to a dealership, purchase a new key, and get back on the road in no time. But as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, making them more costly to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the best way to cut down on expenses, unless you need the purchase of a new key remote transponder or key fob. Instead, look for an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that sells OEM or third-party keys at less than the price. Many of these shops offer an online search tool to help you locate a store close to you.
It is also advisable to locate a shop that can cut and program a standard key because they're typically cheaper than a dealership. They may not have your type of key on hand and you'll need to purchase it. If they have the key, you can expect to pay between $200 and $350.
Some dealers have in-house services for replacing keys to cars and other lockout issues, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or an independent service. This is especially applicable to popular car brands such as Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chips are more complicated and expensive to replace than those of other manufacturers'.
If you arrive at the dealer, make sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may aid in reducing your bill. They might even be in a position to send a mobile locksmith to your location to unlock your car and make a new key right there. This is a great solution if you can't afford to wait for a long time for the dealership to order your key and then install it. Moreover, you might be able to save up to 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center.
Independent Locksmiths
In addition to being extremely stressful losing your car keys can also be costly. Independent locksmiths are the most economical option to replace keys that have been lost. They are cheaper than dealerships and do not have as much overhead costs.
The cost of a replacement key could depend on whether or not you have an existing working key to copy from. If you do the latter, the cost will be much lower since the copy can be made from the key that is currently in use and doesn't need to be programmed. Typically, older mechanical keys that do not include a transponder chip them can be copied for $10 or less.
On the other side, modern electronic key fobs are much more expensive to duplicate because they require programming in order to work with your car's security system. Based on the model and make the procedure can be as simple as typing the code or as complex as utilizing a decryptor to modify the key for proper operation.
It is also important to remember that the location of the vehicle may affect the cost of a new car key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, getting your car keys replaced can be more costly since there may not be anyone close to help with the procedure. The majority of people in this scenario rely on roadside help however, it can be costly and only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that is helpful to remember when calculating the cost of replacing your key is that many independent locksmiths will offer discounts for their services for first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. They do this because they want their business to expand and rely more on word-of mouth marketing rather than expensive advertising.
A final tip make sure you have a spare car key. This will avoid the hassle of having to replace the key that was lost, and will be less expensive than trying to replace it at the last moment. In addition, if you're concerned about the expense of replacing your car keys contact your insurance provider for more information on their conditions and terms. Certain insurance companies provide the option of a fee to replace lost keys.
Key Replacement
Whether you lost your key or just need to replace an older one, there are a number of factors that could be factored into the cost of getting the new car key. The first thing to take note of the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number) to aid you in determining the best location to get a new key. The VIN number is located on the side of the dashboard that is on the driver or in the owner's manual.
You may have to visit a dealer in order to get a new key if yours contains an electronic transponder. The chips need to be programmed in order to communicate with the vehicle to allow it to start. car fob replacement key is done using special machines, which are typically only available at dealerships and can cost as much as $200 for the new fob and key.
If your car has a traditional key without transponder chips, a locksmith should be able to duplicate it at a lower cost. Depending on the type of key, this could be as low as $10 or up to $150 for an entire set of replacement keys.
Different types of keys are more difficult to duplicate and may be more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds into fobs, is typically more expensive than any other type of key, because it requires more effort to create. Smart keys, which rely on proximity sensors to unlock the car's door, are another expensive option. This can be difficult to reprogram and will cost you the most for an alternative key.
If you don't have the luxury of going to a dealership to purchase your new key, you can try to find a local auto locksmith who is knowledgeable about the brand of vehicle you drive. They are more likely to be capable of offering a lower estimate and are more reliable than a dealership. Some offer mobile services, where they'll visit your home or office to cut and program keys for you.