The Cost of a Replacement Car Key
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It's important to realize that a replacement key may not be as costly as you think.
The cost of a new car key is determined by several factors including the type of replacement key you need and your location. Keys that are traditional are the most affordable, while the smart keys are more expensive.
Cost of the parts
The cost will vary depending on the type of key you require. Keys with transponder chips that are standard are priced from $50 to $110. If you need an electronic keyfob or a push to start vehicle that requires a second fob the costs will increase. Those types of keys can be costly to duplicate or replace and are harder for car thieves to gain access to.
The cost is also affected by the year, model and year of car you own. Newer cars may have transponder chips that must be connected to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith. That means that a spare key will have to be programmed to work with the car, which could cost up to $200. Other factors that influence the cost of replacement keys include:
Auto locksmiths are often the cheapest, but they lack the equipment to handle advanced key fobs or vehicles. You can try to copy a basic key by yourself at a hardware store however, the process can be time-consuming and may be a challenge in the absence of the appropriate tools. You can also call roadside assistance for a replacement key. However, they will take your vehicle to a dealer and the process may take several days.
If you have a newer key fob, the best method to save money is to purchase all-in-one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. But this is becoming more and more difficult since many key fobs have security features that prevent theft. Many companies offer software programs to design keys. However, they are only an option to customers who have service contracts. In attempting to circumvent these restrictions can cause problems as most locksmiths will not open vehicles that were forced or tampered with. Insurance companies will be alerted if you make use of wire hangers to open your vehicle.
Cost of Labor
The cost of replacing a car key will be contingent on the type you need. For less than $10, a standard double-edged key can be duplicated in a local hardware shop. However, more sophisticated keys require specialized equipment to create and program. This can significantly increase the cost of replacing your car keys.
You'll also need a brand new key fob if the vehicle is equipped with one to unlock it and start it. It can cost as high as $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Many newer vehicles use transponders inside the key which must be programmed and replaced to function correctly. This is an additional cost that is hard to estimate until the key actually is lost and needs to be replaced.
A cutting machine that is specialized is also required to make the new key replacement. They can be costly to purchase and not readily available to those who do not have a mechanic's shop. In addition, the housing of the key must be replaced as well and this can increase the total cost of the replacement key for your car.
Based on the type of car key, you might need to purchase additional replacement parts in addition to. For instance, certain key fobs come with features like panic buttons and remote lock/unlock that can add to total cost. Some key fobs also need a battery that can be costly to replace.
It is recommended to make an additional key prior to the time you lose your primary. This will ease the stress of losing your keys, and also ensure that you have another backup. If you do need an additional key, you should try to find a locksmith or car dealer with the right equipment to work with your vehicle. It will cost less than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer and you can avoid the cost-intensive fees associated with this option.
It's important to keep a record of your immobilizer code and key number if you have to reprogramme your key. This information is normally located on your title or registration and is available to an auto dealer or locksmith for a fee.
Cost of Equipment
Modern vehicles have key fobs which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle by pressing the button. These devices are convenient, however they can be costly to replace when they're lost or damaged. Fortunately, locksmiths can save you money by replacing these types of keys, without the cost of replacing the device itself. There are many factors to take into account when determining the cost of the replacement of a car key.
The Year, Make & Model of the Vehicle
There are a variety of keys for cars, from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These key types are very distinct and can be difficult to duplicate. This is particularly true for modern car key transponders that must be programmed into the vehicle. This can be done by a professional, however it will cost more than a regular key copy.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing a car key is the model of car. Older cars with basic keys cost less to replace. However the most sophisticated cars require a special key that can cost upwards of $500 to replace.
The key type and location of the vehicle could also influence the cost of a replacement key. If you lose your keys in a remote area, you could be charged a higher fee to tow your car to the nearest dealership to have a new key programmed. You can save this cost by keeping a spare key in a secure location, such as your home or the office.
It is important to note that keys that are new will probably require programming by the dealer. This is because the majority of dealers do not have mobile key programming services and can only do this in their workshop. This could be a significant expense in the case of losing your car's only set of keys, so it is better to be proactive and keep a spare with you always.
Cost of replacing keys
You may need to buy replacement keys from an auto locksmith or a dealer, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Before doing so, verify the type of key in your vehicle and whether it is equipped with a transponder chip or smart key technology. These technologies can raise the cost of replacing your car's keys.
A standard car key with key fobs is inexpensive and can usually be duplicated at an hardware store in your area for under $25. It's best to have an extra in the event that you lose the original.
Modern cars have a key fob that emits an electronic signal to unlock and start the vehicle. auto key replacement can be a hassle to replace in the event of a loss and you'll have to contact the manufacturer for the new one and connect it with your vehicle. The cost of the replacement key fob can range between $50 and $125.
In certain instances, you can replace a keyfob at a dealer if you provide evidence of ownership, like the registration or title. Dealers may charge an additional fee to cover the cost of travel and time spent in a remote location. You can also purchase an aftermarket key on the internet or even directly from the vehicle manufacturer. This may be less expensive, but it is also more risky because the quality of the keys cannot be guaranteed.
Do not attempt to break into car key replacement using wire hangers or even force, as this could trigger alarms and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to unlock your car's door. This could also cause damage to the lock, which would result in cost-intensive repairs or replacements. If you're able to locate your car keys, it might be worth the extra cost to get them cloned at an auto expert instead of the dealership. This can help you save money, especially when you have an extra car key at home.