How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you have lost your car key, there are a few options to replace it. Locksmiths are the most affordable solution.
If you own a dealership you should contact them. The dealer may charge a little more, but the replacement will be cheaper.
Mechanic
Losing keys to your car can be a stressful experience and when you have an electronic key fob that can be used as a remote it could be expensive. Finding a replacement key could cost anywhere from $25 to $450, depending on the make and model of your car. The kind of key you have as well as the dealer you decide to purchase it from will affect the cost of your key.
You can employ locksmiths to replace your car keys, or you can visit a car dealership to purchase a brand new one. Both options are priced differently and the dealer option is usually the most expensive. Locksmiths can usually cut and program a traditional key, which isn't an fob.
Modern car keys contain chips that connect to your vehicle whenever you use them to unlock or start it. These keys require a more complicated process to copy and will cost more to replace. A basic transponder key is around $150, whereas the laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate will cost around $200.
If you own a more advanced key, such as the switchblade key found in a key fob, or a smart key, you will need to visit a dealer for an alternative. Most locksmiths do not have the tools needed to duplicate these keys. You will have to order them from a dealer. This can take several days, and you won't be in a position to drive until the key is delivered.
The best way to avoid the expense of losing your car keys is to avoid them from getting lost in the first place. Keep a spare key in your pocket or in your glove box, and you should consider using a device that tracks your keys to locate your keys.
Contact the police immediately if have lost your car keys. You should not attempt to enter the car because this could lead to an insurance claim, or even a claim for theft. Insurance companies will also be concerned when you break windows or hang wires. It is more difficult to convince them that the vehicle belongs to you.
Dealership
A majority of people have lost their keys at some time. The loss of keys can be a real hassle regardless of whether they fell into another dimension or were flushed down the toilet by your cat. Replacing your keys can be expensive.
The cost of replacing a key at a dealership will vary based on the kind of key you own and your vehicle model. Typically, regular keys made of metal can be duplicated at locksmiths or workshops of third-party companies However, the majority of modern vehicles come with specialized transponder keys that need to be programmed by a dealer to work properly.
Dealers may charge anything from $500 to $1,000 to replace and reprogram these keys. Signing up for a comprehensive program for replacement keys can help you reduce costs. These programs charge a monthly cost which includes replacement of keys that are eligible and remote transponders, but not valet keys when they're damaged or lost. Some programs even provide one qualifying key replacement per year for no cost.
These programs are often offered by car dealers as an added benefit to their bumper-tobumper warranty or extended warranty. auto car key replacement might also find them through reputable companies that specialize in roadside assistance.
You'll have bring your vehicle to a dealer to get a replacement transponder or all-in-one keys. The dealership will need to request the key and connect it with your car and this could take a few days.
Keep a spare key on hand to avoid paying the full price of a replacement. In case you lose the VIN, it is recommended to record it. You can find the VIN on your car's paperwork, dashboard or door jamb. Alternatively, you can call the manufacturer of your car or a GEICO agent for assistance in finding it. GEICO Roadside Assistance can tow your vehicle to a certified repair facility. The GEICO app offers this service for free.
Independent Locksmith
Car key replacement is a major expense that a lot of people aren't prepared for. It's important to understand what the cost is before you lose your keys. You can expect to pay an enormous amount of money through a dealership, but it's also possible to find low-cost solutions through third-party providers.
It's a smart idea to create an additional key and keep it in a safe place should you be worried about losing yours. You can hire an independent locksmith or a dealership to do this, however you'll probably have to wait until the work is completed. Some companies have a 24-hour emergency service, but it could be more expensive.
The cost to replace keys for cars can differ depending on the kind of car you own and its features. A standard key made of metal can be duplicated at the hardware store for less than $10, while a transponder or "smart" key that connects to your car via radio transmitters costs considerably more. Additionally, if your car was built within the last decade or so, it likely has an ignition key fob that needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle.
While many locksmiths have the tools to cut a car key however, not all have the appropriate blanks for each make and model. They also don't all have the technology to program a brand new car key, particularly for high-end models that use key codes that are specialized.
Another aspect that affects the cost of replacing your car keys is the time of day that you need the key. You'll be charged more for a emergency key if it is outside the regular hours of most locksmiths. The place of your residence can also affect the cost of a replacement for your car key. You'll pay more for replacement if your residence is located in a remote location.
In certain instances the replacement of your car key may be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider to determine if you're covered. In some cases, the cost of replacement might be covered under the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
The term roadside assist refers to the assistance offered by the Department of Transportation automobile associations, as well as car insurance companies for motorists and motorcyclists stuck on the sides of the highway. This service is offered by car associations, transportation departments or car insurance companies. The company will send a representative to look over the vehicle or motorcycle and determine if any repairs are needed. If the need for a replacement key arises and the company is able to charge a fee to supply one.
The ability to duplicate the keys to your car is essential. This process is typically performed by a professional in a locksmith's shop, or with a key duplication machine. However, the methods used to copy older mechanical keys aren't suitable for modern keys with the latest technology embedded in them. Keys with this type of technology have a transponder in the key head that communicates with the car to verify that it is a genuine key. They are more difficult to duplicate and are usually only done by a dealer or a licensed locksmith.
The first thing to do when your car key fob is not working properly is to replace the batteries. Most hardware stores carry the batteries required for less than $10. If you're unable to find the correct battery, dealers or auto experts may be able to provide one for free.
A stolen or lost car key can be a huge issue, especially when you're stuck on the side of the road. Many people attempt to fix the issue by copying a car key with a key-cutting machine or file. These methods will not work with modern car key however. Most of them require precision programming and copying by an professional such as a technician car dealership professional or locksmith.
In the majority of cases, auto dealerships offer the best prices for replacing keys to cars, however they also have the highest service fees. Check with your insurance company to see if the cost of replacing a key is covered.