How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
The loss of your car keys can be difficult and costly. The cost of replacing them is dependent on the type of key you have and the place where you purchase it.
Traditional keys are usually copied by locksmiths for less than $10 but many newer cars use transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Keys cut with lasers and switchblade keys are more expensive and require an appointment with the dealer.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
Losing your car keys could be stressful and frustrating. If you have a spare car key and you know the type of key you lost, it may be easier to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith will likely duplicate it quickly and easily. To duplicate more sophisticated keys, you'll need special skills. They also need to be programmed, which means you'll need to go to your dealership to purchase a new key.
The kind of key lost will also determine the amount it will cost to replace it. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is inserted into the ignition cylinder is much less than the cost of replacing keys with transponder, which needs to be programmed. It will also cost more to replace if it comes with an ignition switchblade or other special features.
Whether you choose to replace your key with the help of an expert or do it yourself could have an impact on the cost of replacing your car key as well. Professionals typically charge more than DIY methods, but they can save you a lot of time and frustration. They'll also have the best experience with your particular type of vehicle.
It's worth the cost to replace the car key. You must be aware of all the factors that will impact the cost of replacing your car key so you can plan ahead.
Find an auto-locksmith in your area to get an estimate on the cost of your car key. They'll be able to give you an estimate based on the make and model of your car. They will have the necessary equipment to do a good job. Another option is to call roadside assistance, but this is more expensive. Also, you should know that your insurance company may include this service in your policy. However it's not always a guarantee that they'll provide the services you need.
Dealerships
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys or losing them was not a big issue. You could simply call roadside assistance to have your car towed to the dealership, get an alternative key, and be back on the road in no time. As cars have advanced in technology, so have the keys. This means they are more expensive to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the best way to cut down on costs, unless you require a new key remote, key fob or transponder key. Instead, search for an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that can provide OEM or third-party keys at a fraction of the cost. Many of these stores offer an online search tool to assist you in finding a store close to where you live.
It is also advisable to locate a shop that can cut and program a standard-sized key, since they're generally cheaper than a dealership. The drawback is that they may not have the type of key you require in stock and may need to order it for you. If they do have the key you require, expect to pay between $220 and $350 for the replacement and programming.
Dealers may offer in-house services to replace car keys or solve other lockout issues, but these are still more expensive than a locksmith that is independent. This is especially true for the more popular models of cars such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. 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 to inquire whether there are any guarantees that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may help reduce your bill. They may even be capable of sending an emergency locksmith to your home to unlock your car and make a brand new key on the spot. This is a great option for when you can't afford to wait for days for the dealership to make your key and install it. You can save as much as 50% by using an independent locksmith rather than the service center of the dealership.
Independent Locksmiths
Apart from being extremely stressful the loss of your car keys could be costly. The most affordable option to replace the lost key is to find an independent locksmith, since they usually cost less than going to the dealership and do not have the same overhead costs.
If you already have a working key, the cost of a new key will vary. If you have it the latter, the cost will be much less as a copy can be made from the current key and does not need to be programmed. Mechanical keys that are older and without a transponder can be copied for as little as $10.
Modern electronic key fobs, on the other hand, are more expensive to duplicate because they need to be programmed to integrate with the system of your vehicle. The procedure can differ based on the make and model of your car. It could be as easy or complex as entering a code, or using a decryptor.
It is also important to keep in mind that the location of the vehicle may impact the cost of a new car key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, getting your car key replaced can be more costly as there might not be any one close to help with the procedure. Most people in this situation rely on roadside help however it can be expensive and only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that can be helpful when you calculate your replacement key cost is that many locksmiths who are independent will offer discounts for their services for new customers or those who recommend them to others. They do this as they want their business to expand and rely more on word of mouth marketing, rather than costly advertisements.
Info : always have an extra car key. This will avoid the burden of replacing a key that has been lost, and will be cheaper than trying to replace it in the last minute. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car keys, contact your insurance provider and request more information. Certain insurance companies provide the option of a fee to replace lost keys.
Replacement Keys
There are a variety of aspects that could affect the cost of the new key for your vehicle, whether you've lost your key or you need to replace it. The first thing you need to do is write down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) to help you determine where you'll need to go to obtain an additional key. The VIN number is on the driver's dashboard or in the owner's manual.
Based on the year, make and model of your car, you may need to visit a dealer to purchase an additional key, particularly if it contains an electronic transponder chip. These chips must be programmed to work by communicating with the vehicle to begin it. This is done with special machines that are generally only available at dealerships and can cost upwards of $200 for a new fob and key.
If your car has an old-fashioned key that does not have transponder chips You should be able to find a locksmith who can duplicate it at a lower price. Depending on the type of key, this could be as low as $10 or up to $150 for a complete set of keys replacement.
Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and are more expensive. If you have a switchblade key that folds into the fob, it is usually more expensive than other key types because it requires more effort to make. Smart keys, which use a proximity sensor to unlock the car door, are a different costly alternative. It is difficult to reprogram, and the price of a replacement key can be costly.
If you aren't able to afford going to a dealership for your new key, look for an auto locksmith in your area who is specialized in the type of car you drive. They are more likely to able give you a lower quote and be more reliable than dealers. Some offer mobile services, which means they'll come to your house or office to cut and program keys for you.