Car Key Replacement Cost
Replacing a car's key can be costly. You can sometimes get the cost of replacing your car key covered by Key Protection Covers that you can buy as an additional item to your insurance policy or as a separate product.
The cost of replacing your car keys can vary dependent on the year, make, and model of your car. In this article, we will examine the factors that affect the cost of replacing car keys.
The Make and Model of Your Vehicle
It's always a headache to lose your keys to your car, but it's even worse when you don’t have a spare. In the majority of cases, if you want to drive your car again you'll require a new set of keys. However, the key for your car replacement cost can vary significantly according to the vehicle you have. This is because modern vehicles come with a range of different features, and these can raise the cost to replace your keys. For instance, high-performance sport cars often come with specialized keys that can be costly to duplicate.
It's also more expensive to duplicate the older mechanical keys because they require the expertise of a dealer to work. So, it's important to know your car's model and make prior to getting a quote from a locksmith or automotive dealership. You can then obtain a fair price estimate.
Another factor that affects the cost of replacing car keys is how complex your key system is. Modern keys, for instance have a circuit as well as a battery that make them more difficult to replace than previous car keys.
Some car owners go to the dealer to duplicate their car keys as they believe it will be cheaper. But, this isn't always true, as the dealership is likely to charge premiums for their services. auto locksmith car key replacement is because the dealerships' main goal is to make money from their customers.
If you aren't able to have your car key replaced at the dealership, it could be worth considering hiring a third-party company to do the job for you. They might be able to provide a lower price than the dealership, and they'll probably have a more knowledgeable team to assist you with any key replacement requirements.
Additionally, it's important to avoid going to hardware stores or other third-party companies to get your car keys duplicated. These companies aren't likely to have the knowledge required to copy your car keys, and they are also more likely to alter the original key or create an inferior replacement.
The Automotive Locksmith You Use
If you've ever had to lock your keys to your car, it's a headache nobody wants to deal with. This is a situation that can occur at the worst timing, for instance when you're getting late for an important event or meeting. You can contact an auto locksmith for an immediate and cost-effective solution, instead of rushing to the dealership to get.
Car keys and FOBs are tiny electronic devices that contain circuitry and a transponder chip that needs to be programmed in order to be able to start the vehicle. In the past the chips were placed in the ignition cylinder however as technology advanced, these chips moved to the key fobs. Key fobs were made more secure and difficult to duplicate. However the cost of repairs and replacements increased because the new key fobs had to be programmed by an automotive locksmith or by a dealer.
Fortunately, many locksmiths in the automotive industry have adapted and are able to handle these newer systems. They can program new FOBs that work with your vehicle, or take out old ones that don't work. The cost will depend on the year, make and model.
The kind of key you require will also impact the price. There are two kinds of car keys that most automobiles use: a traditional metal key that's not connected to a fob, or any other electrical component and a remote FOB that controls the ignition and locks/unlocks the doors. The latter is usually the cheapest to replace because it doesn't require programming and can be cut by an auto locksmith using a specially-designed blank.
It's more costly to replace the transponder key because it's required to unlock the vehicle. This is why it's important to use an authorized locksmith for your vehicle when you need to get an additional key for your car. Doing it yourself or using tools like coat hangers can damage the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to not to work, so it's recommended to contact a locksmith for assistance in these situations.
What type of key do you require?
There are many different types of keys for cars. Some are mechanical and just require insertion into the ignition cylinder while others contain transponders that can unlock doors or start the engine from an extended distance. The keys with transponders are more expensive to replace as it requires a professional to program it to your specific vehicle. Locksmiths have adapted to the latest technology, and you don't have to visit a dealership to get one of these keys made.
Having your keys stolen or lost isn't fun, but the situation becomes more stressful when you realize you have no way to start your car and have nowhere to go. In the past, you could obtain a replacement key from any hardware store, or at your car dealership. With the advent of advanced security measures and the ease with that a vehicle can be stolen by remote control the search for a solution is no longer so simple.
You can search online groups for your keys or contact the dealer. However, this is not always the case. Most dealers are only able to make a replacement key for your vehicle after you bring it in, and they'll charge you for that service. It's also worth checking if the cost of replacing the key is covered under your warranty, roadside assistance or bumper-to-bumper insurance.
If you own a traditional mechanical key, it's inexpensive to replace it if you simply need to cut an additional one. The majority of locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to duplicate these keys for less than $10. However older models that don't have transponder chips may cost slightly more.
The dealership is the most expensive method to obtain a new car key. If you own the original key it's the best alternative. Otherwise it's not worth the hassle - especially if the cost is covered by your insurance. If you do choose this option, make sure to shop around and compare prices between the dealership and third-party key experts.
The Location
Car keys are small electronic devices that have battery power and circuitry. They also have transmitters that can send a code that allows you to start your car and open the doors. They can be costly to replace in the event that they break or are lost. The cost of the key itself is usually not very much however the effort required to cut and program the new one to your specific vehicle is what really adds up. The cost of a new key can vary widely based on its complexity, type and the dealer.
The place you live in can affect how much it will cost to get a replacement car key made. For example, if you reside in a rural area, there might be fewer auto locksmiths who can assist you with your issue. You might pay more for services if you live in a rural location because they will need to travel further to reach you. On the other hand when you reside in a city like Chicago there are likely to be a variety of locksmiths for automotive to pick from, and you can find one that offers competitive prices for their services.
In certain situations, it is possible to save money on a new car key by simply replacing the battery on your car key fob. This is something that can be done by most drivers following the instructions provided in their car's owner's manual. Some firms that sell keys for cars will even do this for free, however it's a good idea to check your car's warranty before doing this.
If you lose the car key and you don't have a spare alternative, the best thing to do is to go to an auto dealer in your area and purchase an alternative that matches your vehicle. This is the most expensive option but it's also the most reliable. You can create an electronic key in the moment by showing them your registration or your title.