How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
It can be a hassle and expensive to lose your car keys. The cost to replace them is contingent on the location and what kind of key you have made.
Traditional keys are usually copied by a locksmith for less than $10, but many newer cars use transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Keys that are laser cut and blades are more expensive, and require an appointment with a dealer.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
If you lose your car keys it can be a an extremely stressful and frustrating. If you do have an additional key and are aware of the kind of car key you lost, the process could be a bit easier. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith can likely duplicate it quickly and easily. To duplicate more sophisticated keys, you'll require special skills. They also need to be programmed, which means you'll probably have visit your dealer to get a new one.
The kind of key lost will also determine the amount it will cost to replace. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is inserted into the ignition cylinder is less than the cost of replacing keys with transponder, which needs to be programmed. It is more expensive to replace the key fob, if it's equipped with a switchblade or particular features.
If you decide to replace your key with the assistance of a professional or do it yourself may have an impact on your car key replacement costs as well. Professionals will usually cost more than DIY methods however they can save you a lot of time and frustration. They will also have the best knowledge with your specific type of vehicle.
It's a good idea to replace a car key. You must be aware of all the variables that impact the cost of replacing your car keys to be able to plan ahead.
The best way to figure out how much your car key will cost is to find an auto locksmith near you. They will be able to provide you with an estimate based upon the model and make of your vehicle. They'll also have the tools to do a quality job. Roadside assistance is another option however it can be expensive. You should also note that your insurance provider may include this service in your policy. However it's not a guarantee that they'll provide the services you need.
Dealerships
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or loosing keys was not a huge deal. You could simply 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. However, as cars have advanced in technology and so have keys, making them more expensive to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the most efficient way to cut expenses, unless you need a new key remote, key fob or transponder key. Look for an independent car key replacement shop or locksmith that offers OEM or 3rd party keys at less than the cost. Many of these shops have an online search tool that will help you find the nearest store.
You should also try to find a service that can cut and program a standard key since they're generally cheaper than a dealership. They may not have your type of key on hand, and will need to purchase it. If they have the key, you should expect to be charged between $200 and $350.
Some dealers offer in-house service to replace car keys and other lockout issues, however they're still more expensive than a locksmith service or an independent service. This is particularly true for the more popular automobile brands, such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complicated for these manufacturers.
If you find yourself at a dealership, be sure to inquire whether there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may lower your cost. They may be in a position to send an emergency locksmith to your location to unlock your car and make a brand new key on the spot. This is a great option for those who do not have time to wait for your dealer to make and install your key. You can save up to half by hiring an independent locksmith rather than the dealership service center.
Independent Locksmiths
In addition to being extremely stressful, losing your car keys can also be expensive. The most affordable way to replace the lost key is to search for an independent locksmith, since they usually cost less than going to a dealership and don't have the same overhead costs.
The cost of a replacement key may be different depending on whether or there is an existing key that you can copy from. If you have an existing key, the cost will be much lower since it can be copied from that key without needing to be programmed. Typically, older mechanical keys that do not contain a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10.
Modern electronic keys, on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate since they must be programmed to be compatible with your vehicle's system. The process can differ based on the make and model of your car. It could be as simple or as complex as entering a number or using a decryptor.
Lastly, it is important to remember that the location of your vehicle could also impact the cost of obtaining an alternative key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, getting your car keys replaced can be more costly as there isn't anyone nearby to assist you with the procedure. This is because the majority of people who are in this situation rely on roadside assistance, however these services can be pricey and usually only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that can be helpful when you calculate your replacement key cost is that a lot of locksmiths will offer discounts on their services to first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. This is due to the fact that they are looking to expand their business and rely on word-of-mouth marketing, as opposed to expensive advertisements.
A final suggestion is to always have an extra key on hand, since this will not only keep you from the headache of dealing with a lost car key, but it will also be less expensive than trying to replace lost keys at the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost to replace your car key, contact your insurance company and inquire about the cost. While they usually do not cover lost car keys but some of them provide it as a premium extra.
Replacement Keys
Whether you lost your key or just need to replace an older key, there are a number of factors that could be factored into the cost of getting the new car key. The first thing you should do is write down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) which will assist 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 the owner's manual.
Based on the year, make and model of your vehicle, you may need go to a dealership to purchase new keys, particularly when it has an electronic transponder chip. These chips communicate with the vehicle in order to start it, so they must be programmed to work. This is accomplished using special machines that are usually only available through the dealership and can cost up to $200 for a new key and fob.
If your car only has traditional keys that do not have transponder chips, a locksmith should be able to duplicate it at a lower cost. Depending on the type of key, this could be as little as $10 or up to $150 for a complete set of replacement keys.
Other kinds of keys are more difficult to duplicate and may be more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds into fobs, is typically more expensive than other type of key because it takes more work to create. Another option that is expensive is a smart key that uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. This can be difficult to reprogram, and typically will cost you the most for an alternative key.
If you aren't able to afford going to a dealership to purchase your new key, you can try to find an auto locksmith in your neighborhood who is knowledgeable about the brand of car you drive. They are more likely to able give you a lower price and will be more reliable than dealers. Some even provide mobile services where they can come to your workplace or at home to cut and program your keys for you.