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 dependent on the type of key and the location where it is made.
Traditional keys are usually copied by locksmiths for less than $10, however, many modern cars have transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require an excursion to the dealer.
Model and Make of Your Vehicle
When you lose your car keys it can be a difficult and difficult. If you do have an extra key and know what kind of car key you lost, the process can be a bit more straightforward. Locksmiths can make a copy of an older mechanical key fairly quickly and easily for instance. However, more sophisticated types of keys require specific skills to copy. They also have to be programmed, which means you'll probably have to go to your dealership to purchase a new one.
The type of key lost will also determine the cost of replacing it. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is inserted into the ignition cylinder is lower than the key fob which has transponder, which needs to be programmed. The latter will also typically cost more to replace if it comes with the switchblade key, 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 are more expensive than DIY methods but can save you time and frustration. They'll also have the most experience with the particular model of car.
It's worth the expense to replace keys to your car. You must be aware of all the factors that will determine the cost of replacing your car key to be able to plan ahead.
auto car key replacement to figure out the price your car key will cost is to find a local auto locksmith. They can provide you with a quote based upon the specific model of your car and make. They will also have the tools needed to do a quality job. Another option is calling roadside assistance, however this can be more costly. It is important to note that your insurance provider might include this service in your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they'll 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 problem. You could just contact roadside assistance to get your car towed to the dealer, pick up a new key and get back on the road in no time. But as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, making them more costly to replace.
The best way to save money is to not go to the dealer except if you require a replacement key fob, key remote, or transponder chip key. Look for an independent car locksmith or key replacement shop which offers OEM or 3rd-party keys for a fraction of the price. Many of these shops have an online search tool that will help you locate a nearby store.
It is also advisable to find a place that can cut and program a standard key, because they're typically less expensive than a dealership. They may not have your type of key in stock, and will need to purchase it. If they do have the key you need expect to pay between $220 and $350 for the replacement and programming.
Some dealers offer in-house service for replacing keys to cars and other lockout issues, however they're still more expensive than a locksmith or an independent service. This is especially true for the more popular automobile brands, such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Chrysler. The key fobs and chips are more complex and expensive to replace than other brands'.
If you end up at the dealership, make sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If you do, contacting the dealership to mention the warranty could help you save money. It is possible to have a mobile locksmith sent to your location. They will unlock your vehicle on the spot and make a replacement key. This is a great option for when you can't afford to wait for a long time for the dealership to order your key and install it. Additionally, you may be saving up to 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center.
Independent Locksmiths
Aside from being incredibly stressful the loss of your car keys could be costly. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest option to replace keys that have been lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and do not have as much overhead costs.
If you already have a working key, the cost of a new key can vary. If you already have a key, the cost will be less since it can be copied from that key without needing to be programmed. Most of the time, mechanical keys that don't have a transponder chip in them can be copied for a price of $10 or less.
Modern electronic key fobs however, are more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to be compatible with your vehicle's system. Depending on your car's model and make, this process can be as simple as entering the code or as intricate as utilizing a decryptor to reprogram the key for proper operation.
Lastly, it is important to consider the location of your car can also impact the cost of obtaining a new key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, it could be more expensive to replace your car's key since there isn't person nearby to help. Most people in this situation rely on roadside help however it can be expensive and only cover a fraction of the cost.
One thing that can be helpful when you calculate the cost of replacing your keys is that many independent locksmiths will offer discounts for their services for new customers or those who recommend them to others. This is due to the fact that they wish to expand their business and rely on word of mouth marketing instead of costly advertising.
One final tip is to always keep an extra key on hand, since it will not only spare you from the hassle of dealing with the loss of a car key, but it will also be much cheaper than trying to replace keys that have been lost at the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost to replace your car keys, contact your insurance company and ask for more information. While they usually do not cover lost keys to cars, some of them offer it as a premium addition.
Replacement Keys
There are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of the new key for your car, regardless of whether you've lost your key or require a replacement. First, you should note the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle. This will allow you to determine where to go to get an alternative key. The VIN number is located on the side of the dashboard that is on the driver or in the vehicle owner's manual.
You may have go to a dealer to get a new key in the event that yours has an electronic transponder. The chips need to be programmed to function by communicating with the vehicle to begin it. This is done using special machines that are generally only available at the dealership and can cost as high as $200 for a replacement fob and key.
If your car has a traditional key without transponder chips, a locksmith will be able to duplicate the key at a cheaper cost. Depending on the kind of key, it could be as little as $10 or as high as $150 for a whole set of replacement keys.
Other kinds of keys are a little more difficult to replicate and could be more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds into fobs, is typically more expensive than any other type of key because it takes more work to produce. Another expensive option is a smart key which utilizes a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key can be high.
You can find an auto-locksmith local to you who is familiar with the brand you own if you don't prefer to visit a dealership. They are more likely to be able give you a lower quote and be more reliable that a dealership. Some even offer mobile service that will come to your home or workplace to cut and program keys for you.