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 contingent on the location and what type of key you've created.
Traditional keys can be copied by locksmiths for less than $10 however, many modern cars have transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Keys cut with lasers and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require an excursion to the dealer.
Model and Make of Your Vehicle
The loss of your car keys can be stressful and frustrating. If you do have an extra key and know what kind of car key you lost, the process may be a bit easier. Locksmiths can make copies of a key that was made in the past quite quickly and easily, for example. To copy more advanced keys, you'll require special knowledge. These keys also need to be reprogrammed, so you'll be required to visit a dealer to purchase a new one.
The kind of key lost will also determine the amount it costs to replace it. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is fitted into the ignition cylinder is lower than the key fob which has transponder, which needs to be programmed. The latter will also typically cost more to replace if it has the switchblade key, or other features that are specialized.
The cost of replacing your car keys could be affected by the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help by a professional. Professionals usually cost more than DIY methods however they can save you time and frustration. They'll also have the best experience with your particular type of vehicle.
While having a car key replaced can be costly, it's worth it in the long in the long. It is important to be aware of all the elements that determine the cost of replacing your car keys 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 to provide you with an estimate based on the specific make and model of your car. They will also have the tools to do a quality job. Another option is to contact 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
In the past the loss or misplacement of your car keys wasn't an issue. It was simple to have your vehicle tow by roadside assistance, obtain an alternative key and be back on the road in no time. As cars become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means they are more expensive 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, look for an independent locksmith or car key replacement shop that offers OEM or third-party keys for a fraction of the cost. Many of these shops have an online search tool that will help you find an in-store.
It is also advisable to find a place that can cut and program a standard-sized key, because they're typically cheaper than a dealer. They may not have the type of key on hand and you'll need to order it. If they do have the key, you should expect to pay between $200 and $350.
Dealers might offer in-house services to replace keys for cars or fix other lockout issues however, they are more expensive than a locksmith that is independent. This is especially relevant to the most well-known automobile brands like Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. Their key chips and fobs are more complex and expensive to replace than those of other manufacturers'.
If you find yourself at a dealership, be sure you inquire whether there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If car key replacements do, contacting the dealership to mention the warranty may help you save money. They may be capable of sending an mobile locksmith to your home to unlock your vehicle and create a new key on the spot. This is a great solution when you do not have time to wait for your dealership to set up and make your key. You can cut costs by up to half by hiring an independent locksmith instead of the dealership service center.
Independent Locksmiths
The loss of your car keys is not only stressful, but can also be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the most economical method of replacing keys lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and do not have the same overhead costs.
The cost of a replacement key may depend on whether or not you have an existing working key to copy from. If you already have a key, the cost will be much lower since it can be copied from the key without the need to be programmed. Typically, older mechanical keys that do not have a transponder chip in them can be copied for $10 or less.
Modern electronic key fobs, on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate because they require programming to integrate with the system of your vehicle. Based on the car's model and make, this process can be as simple as typing the code, or as complicated as using a specific decryptor to modify the key to function properly.
It is also important to remember that the location of the vehicle could impact the cost of a new car key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, getting the car key replaced could be more expensive as there isn't anyone close to help with the process. This is because most people in this kind of situation depend on roadside assistance, but these services can be costly and typically only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that could be helpful when you calculate your replacement key cost is that many locksmiths who are independent will offer discounts on their services for new customers or those who recommend them to others. This is because they want to grow their business and rely on word of mouth marketing as opposed to costly advertisements.
A final suggestion: always have a spare car key. This will avoid the hassle of having to replace keys that have been lost, and it is less expensive than trying to replace it in the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost of replacing your car keys, contact your insurance provider and inquire about the cost. While they usually do not cover lost car keys however, some offer it as a premium addition.
Replacement Keys
There are a variety of aspects that could affect the cost of a new key for your car, whether you've lost yours or you need to replace it. The first thing you need to do is write down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) which will aid you in determining where you'll need to go to get an additional key. This number is located on the dashboard of the driver or in your vehicle's owner's manual.
You might need go to a dealer to get a new key if yours contains an electronic transponder. These chips must be programmed to work by communicating with the vehicle to allow it to start. This is done using special machines, which are typically only available through dealerships and can cost as much as $200 for the new key and fob.
If your car has a traditional key without transponder chips, a locksmith should be able to duplicate the key at a lower cost. It could cost as low as $10 for a set of keys or as much as $150 based on the type.
Other types of keys are more difficult to replicate and could be more expensive. If you have a switchblade type key that folds into the fob this is often more expensive than other key types as it is more labor-intensive to make. Another expensive option is a smart key, which uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key can be expensive.
You can find a local auto-locksmith who is familiar with the model that you drive if need to visit a dealership. They'll likely be able to provide a less expensive estimate and more reliable than a dealership would be. Some even offer mobile services that will come to your workplace or home to cut and program your keys for you.