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 depends on where and what kind of key you have made.
Traditional keys can usually be copied by locksmiths for less than $10 however, many modern cars have transponder chips that must be programmed by the dealer. Keys that are laser cut and blades are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
The loss of your car keys can be frustrating and stressful. However, if you own an additional key and are aware of the kind of car key you lost, the process can be a bit easier. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith will likely duplicate it quickly and easily. However, more advanced types of keys require special knowledge to be copied. These keys also need to be reprogrammed. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase a new one.
The type of key that is lost will also determine the cost to replace it. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is fitted into the ignition cylinder is less than keys with a transponder which must be programmed. It is more expensive to replace the key fob, if it's equipped with a switchblade or other specific features.
The cost of replacing your car keys can depend on the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help of a professional. Professionals are more expensive than DIY methods but will save you time and frustration. They'll also have the most experience with your particular type of car.
While having a car key replaced is costly but it's worth it in the long run. It's a good idea to learn about the elements that influence the price to be able to plan your budget in advance.
The best method to figure out how much your car key will cost is to find an auto locksmith near you. They will be able to provide an estimate based upon the model and make of your vehicle. They will have the equipment to perform a great job. Another option is to contact roadside assistance, but it can be more expensive. You should also note that your insurance provider may include this service in your policy. However, it's not always a guarantee that they'll provide the services you need.
Dealerships
A few years ago having lost or misplaced your keys to your car was not a huge deal. You could contact roadside assistance to get your vehicle towed to the dealership, get a new key and be back on the road in a matter of minutes. But as cars have advanced in technology as well, so do their keys - and that makes them more expensive to replace.
The most efficient method to save money is to not go to the dealership unless you require a new key fob, key remote, or transponder chip keys. Find an independent car key replacement shop or locksmith that can provide OEM or 3rd-party keys for less than the cost. Many of these shops have an online search tool that can assist you in finding the nearest store.
You should also find a place that can cut and program a standard key since they're generally cheaper than a dealership. They may not have the type of key in stock and will have to purchase it. If key replacement car have the key, you can expect to be charged between $200 and $350.
Some dealers have in-house services for replacing keys to cars and other lockout issues, however they're still more expensive than a locksmith service or an independent service. This is particularly true for famous car brands like Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complex for these brands.
If you end up at a dealer, make sure to ask if there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If so, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty could help you save money. They may even be capable of sending an emergency locksmith to your location to unlock your car and make a new key on the spot. This is a great solution when you do not have the time to wait around for your dealer to set up and make your key. You can save as much as 50% by using an independent locksmith rather than the dealership service center.
Independent Locksmiths
Apart from being extremely stressful, losing your car keys can also be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest way to replace lost keys. They are less expensive than dealerships and don't have the same overhead costs.
The cost of a replacement key can also vary depending on whether or whether 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 that key without the need to be programmed. Mechanical keys that are older and without a transponder can be copied for just $10.
On the other side, modern electronic key fobs are more expensive to duplicate because they require programming to work with the car's system. Based on the model and make the procedure can be as simple as typing the code, or as complicated as using a special decryptor to reprogram the key to ensure proper operation.
It is also important to keep in mind that the location of the vehicle could impact the cost of a new key. If you're stranded in the middle, it could be more expensive to replace your car key because there's no one in the vicinity to help. This is because most people who are in this situation rely on roadside assistance, however the cost of these services can be expensive and typically only cover a portion of the costs involved.
When calculating the cost of replacing a key, it is crucial to keep in mind that many independent locksmiths offer discounts to customers who are first time clients or those who refer their services to others. They do this because they want their business to grow and rely more on word of mouth marketing rather than expensive advertising.
A final suggestion: always have a spare car key. This will avoid the burden of replacing a key that has been lost, and will be less expensive than attempting to do it at the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost to replace your car key, call your insurance provider and inquire about the cost. Although they typically do not cover lost keys to cars however, some do as a premium add-on.
Key Replacement
There are a variety of aspects that could affect the cost of the new key for your car, regardless of whether you've lost yours or you need to replace it. The first thing you need to note down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number), as this will assist you in determining where you'll need to go to obtain an additional key. The VIN number is located on the side of the dashboard that is on the driver or in the vehicle owner's manual.
You may have to visit a dealer to obtain a new keys when yours is equipped with an electronic transponder. These chips communicate with the vehicle to begin it, so they must be programmed to work. This is accomplished using special machines that are generally only available through the dealership and can cost up to $200 for a replacement fob and key.
If your car is equipped with traditional keys that do not have transponder chips, you should be able to find a locksmith that can duplicate it for a much lesser cost. This could cost as little as $10 for one set of keys or $150, depending on the kind.
Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and therefore more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds up into fobs, is generally more expensive than other type of key, because it takes more work to make. Smart keys, which rely on the proximity sensor to open the car door, are a different costly alternative. It is difficult to reprogram and usually will cost the most for a replacement key.
There is an auto-locksmith in your area who is familiar with the brand you own if you don't prefer to visit an auto dealer. They will likely be able to offer a lower quote and be more reliable than a dealership. Some provide mobile services, where they'll visit your home or office to cut keys and program them for you.