The Cost of a Replacement Car Key
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It's important to remember that a replacement car key may not cost as much as you think.
The cost of purchasing a new car key is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of replacement key you need and the location of your home. Traditional keys are the cheapest, while smart keys are the most expensive.
Cost of parts
The cost will vary depending on the type of key that you require. Keys that are standard and do not have transponder chips can be copied for anywhere between $50 and $110. The price increases for those who require a key fob equipped with a transponder chip or a push-to start vehicle that requires a second fob to activate the car. Those types of keys can be costly to duplicate or replace and are difficult for car thieves to steal.
The cost can also be dependent on the year, make and type of vehicle you own. The transponder chip on newer vehicles will have to be programmed with an auto locksmith or dealer. key replacement for car means that the replacement key needs to be programmed in order to work with the car which can cost as much as $200. Other factors that impact the cost of replacement keys are:
Auto locksmiths may be the cheapest, but they lack the equipment needed to handle complex key fobs or vehicles. You can attempt to duplicate a basic key by yourself at a hardware store, however, the process can be time-consuming and can be difficult when you don't have the right tools. You can also seek roadside assistance to assist you get a replacement key but they'll probably take your vehicle to a dealership and the process could take a few days to complete.
If you have an old key fob, it's best to buy laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them yourself. This is becoming increasingly difficult, as many key fobs have security features that stop theft. Many companies have software that can be used to create keys, however these are usually only available to customers with service contracts or as a courtesy through the dealership. Trying to bypass these restrictions can cause problems since most locksmiths won't open vehicles that were forced or tampered with. Insurance providers will be alerted if you use wire hangers to open your vehicle.
Cost of Labor
The kind of car key you require will determine how much it will cost to replace. For less than $10, a standard double-edged key can be duplicated in an area hardware store. To program and create more sophisticated keys, you will need special equipment. This can increase the cost of replacing a car key.
If your car has an ignition key to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll need have a new fob installed as well. The cost can be up to $200 depending on the vehicle's make and model. Many newer vehicles use transponders inside the key, which needs to be programmed and re-installed in order to function properly. This is a cost that is hard to estimate prior to the time that the key is lost and must be replaced.
To make a new replacement key, a specialized cutting machine is required. These can be expensive to purchase and aren't readily available to those who do not have a mechanic's shop. Furthermore, the key's housing is also required to be replaced which could add to the overall cost of an replacement car key.
Depending on the car key type, you may also need to purchase replacement parts. For instance, some key fobs include features like panic and remote lock/unlock buttons that can add to the total cost. Additionally, some key fobs require a battery that can be costly to replace.
It is recommended to make a spare key before you lose the original. This will ease the stress of losing your keys and also ensure that you have another backup. If you need a replacement car key, find an authorized locksmith or dealer who has the appropriate equipment to work on your vehicle. This will be less expensive than getting a new one from the dealership and should let you save some of the costly cost associated with those options.
If you have keys that require programming, it's important to keep a record of the immobilizer code or key number in case you want to get it reprogrammed in the future. This information is available on your registration or title, or on other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer may charge a fee to supply this information.
Cost of Equipment
Modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock or unlock and even start the car just by pressing a button. These devices are extremely convenient, however they can also be expensive to replace if they are lost or broken. Luckily, locksmiths can often save you money by replacing these kinds of keys without the added expense of replacing the device itself. There are a few factors to consider when it comes to determining the cost of replacing a car key.
The Year, Make & Model of the Vehicle
There are many types of keys for cars, from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These keys are very difficult to duplicate because they are distinct. This is especially the case for modern car keys transponders, which must be programmed into the vehicle. This process can be done by a professional, however it is generally more expensive than a simple copy of the key.
The model of car you drive can affect the price. Cars with basic keys cost less to replace. However the most modern cars require a special key that can cost as much as $500 to replace.
The type of key and location of the vehicle may also influence the cost of a replacement key. If you lose your keys in a foreign area, you could be charged a higher fee for towing your car to the nearest dealership to have a new key programmed. This cost can be prevented by keeping a spare key in a safe place like at home or work.
It is important to note that the new key will probably need to be programmed by the dealer. It is because the majority of dealers do not provide mobile key programming and only do this in their workshop. It can be expensive when you lose your sole set of keys. So, it's better to keep a spare set on you.
Cost of replacing keys
You may have to purchase new keys from an automotive locksmith or dealer, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Check the key of your car to determine if it's an electronic transponder or smart key chip. These technologies can raise the price of your car key replacement.
A traditional car key without a key fob is relatively inexpensive and can usually be duplicated at the local hardware store for under $25. It's a good idea to keep a backup in the event that you lose your original.
The majority of new cars have a key fob which emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your car. It can be a hassle to replace when it's lost in the event that you lose it, since you'll need to contact the manufacturer for the new one and connect it with your car. The cost of a replacement key fob can be anywhere between $50 and $150.
In certain cases you can get a key fob replaced at the dealership as long as you can prove ownership with proof of registration or title. Dealers may charge an additional fee to cover the cost of travel and time spent at remote locations. Alternatively, you can buy an aftermarket key online, or even directly from the vehicle manufacturer. This option may be cheaper but it's more risky because the quality of the keys cannot be assured.
You should never attempt to break into your car using wire hangers or force, as this could cause alarms and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to unlock your car's door. This could also result in damage to the lock, which would result in higher costs for repairs or replacements. If you can find your car keys, it could be worth paying more to have them copied by an auto expert instead of at the dealership. This could save you a lot of money, particularly if you have a spare key at home.