How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
Losing your car keys is frustrating and expensive. The cost of replacing them depends on the type of key you have and the location where it is made.
Traditional keys can usually be copied by locksmiths for less than $10, however, many modern cars have transponder chips which must be programmed by the dealer. Laser cut keys and key 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 stressful and frustrating. If you have an extra car key and you are aware of the type of key you lost, it may be easier to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith can probably make a duplicate fairly quickly and easily. To duplicate more sophisticated keys, you will need special knowledge. These keys must also be reprogrammed. You'll have to visit your dealer to purchase a new one.
The type of lost key will also determine the cost of replacing it. For example, traditional mechanical keys that are inserted into the ignition cylinder will cost less replace than a key fob which has a special transponder that must be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob, if it's equipped with a switchblade or other special features.
The cost of replacing your car keys may be affected by the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help a professional. Professionals cost more than DIY methods, but can save you time and frustration. They'll also have the best experience with the particular model of vehicle.
It's worth the cost to replace a car key. You must be aware of all the variables that determine the cost of replacing your car key so that you can plan for the future.
The best way to figure out how much your car key will cost is to locate an auto locksmith in your area. They will be able provide you with a quote based on your specific car model and make. They will also have the equipment needed to complete the task. Roadside assistance is a different option however it is expensive. It's worth noting that your insurance company may provide this service as part of your policy. However, it's not always a guarantee that they will provide the services you require.
Dealerships
It wasn't long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or loosing them was not a big deal. You could simply call roadside assistance to have your car towed to the dealership, get an alternative key, and get back on the road in a matter of minutes. But as cars have advanced in technology, so too have their keys, which makes them more costly to replace.
The best way to save money is to avoid going to the dealership unless you require a new key fob, key remote or transponder chip keys. Instead, look for an independent locksmith or car 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 that can help you locate a store close to where you live.
It is also advisable to find a service that can cut and program a standard key, because they're typically cheaper than a dealership. They may not have your type of key on hand and will have to purchase it. If they do have the key, you should expect to spend between $200 and $350.
Some dealers have in-house services for replacing keys to cars and other lockout issues, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or an independent service. This is especially applicable to the most popular brands of car like Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. Key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complicated for these manufacturers.
If you arrive at the dealer, make sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If you do, contacting the dealership to mention the warranty could help you save money. You might be able to get a mobile locksmith sent to your location. They will unlock your car on the spot and create a replacement key. This is a great solution if you don't have the funds to wait for days for the dealership to order your key and then install it. You can save up to half by using an independent locksmith rather than the dealership's service center.
Independent Locksmiths
Aside from being incredibly stressful the loss of your car keys can also be costly. Independent locksmiths are the most economical method of replacing keys lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and don't have as many overhead costs.
If you already have a working key, the cost of the new key will differ. If you have it this, it will cost less since a copy can be made using the current key and not need to be programmed. Older mechanical keys without a transponder can be copied for as little as $10.
Modern electronic keys, on the other hand, are more expensive to duplicate because they must be programmed to integrate with the system of your vehicle. Depending on your car's model and make the process could be as easy as entering the code or as intricate as using a specific decryptor to reprogram the key to function properly.
It is also important to remember that the location of the vehicle may impact the cost of a new car key. If you're stranded out in the middle of nowhere, it could be more expensive to replace your car keys because there may be no one nearby to assist. In this type of situation, most people depend on roadside assistance however, it can be expensive and only cover a small portion of the cost.
One thing that can be helpful to remember when calculating your replacement key cost is that many locksmiths who are independent offer discounts on their services to first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. This is due to the fact that they want to grow their business and rely on word of mouth marketing as opposed to costly advertisements.
Another tip is to always have an extra key in case of loss, as this will not only save you from the hassle of dealing with a lost car key and be much cheaper than trying to replace a lost key at the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost of replacing your car key, contact your insurance company and inquire about the cost. Some insurance companies offer a premium to cover lost keys.
Replacement Keys
There are a variety of factors that could impact the cost of a new key for your vehicle, whether you've lost your key or need to replace one. replacement car key near me should take note of your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) which will help you determine the best location in order to get a new key. This number can be found on the dashboard of the driver, or in your vehicle's owner's manual.
You may need to visit a dealer in order to obtain a new keys if yours contains an electronic transponder. These chips communicate with the vehicle to begin it, and therefore they need to be programmed to function. This is done using special equipment, which is typically only available at dealerships. They can cost as much as $200 for the new fob and key.
If your car only has a traditional key without transponder chips, a locksmith should be able to duplicate it at a lower cost. Depending on the type of key, this can be as low as $10 or even $150 for a whole set of replacement keys.
Other types of keys are more difficult to duplicate and may be more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds down into fobs, is generally more expensive than any other type of key, because it requires more effort to produce. Another option that can be costly is a smart key, that uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. This can be difficult to reprogram and usually will cost you the most for the replacement key.
If you don't have the luxury of going to a dealer for your new key, look for an auto locksmith in your neighborhood who is specialized in the type of vehicle you drive. They are more likely to more affordable in their estimate and are more reliable than dealers. Some provide mobile services, where they will come to your office or home to cut keys and program them for you.