Car Key Replacement Cost
Replacing a car key can be expensive. You may be able to get the cost of replacing your car keys covered by Key Protection Covers that you can purchase as an addition to your insurance policy or as a separate product.
The cost of replacing keys to your car is contingent on the model, year and make of your vehicle. In this article we will explore the factors that affect the cost of replacement car keys.
The Make and Model of Your Vehicle
It's always a hassle to lose your keys to your car however, it's a lot more troublesome when you don’t have a spare. That's because, in most cases, you will need to purchase a whole new set if you want to use your vehicle again. However, the
car key replacement cost can vary significantly depending on your specific vehicle. Modern cars have a wide variety of features that could make it more expensive to replace your keys. For example sports cars that have high performance usually have special keys which can be costly to duplicate.
Additionally older mechanical key systems also tend to be more expensive to replicate because they require the expertise of a dealer to work. It's important that you know the make and model of your vehicle prior to asking a quote from an automotive dealer or locksmith. You can then obtain a fair price estimate.
Another aspect that can affect the car key replacement cost is how complicated your key system is. For example, modern key fobs have a battery and circuitry that makes them more complicated to replace than keys from the past.
Some car owners visit the dealer to duplicate their vehicle keys, believing that it's cheaper. However, that's not necessarily true, since the dealership is likely to charge premiums for their services. This is because the dealership's main goal is to make profits from their customers.
If you aren't able to have your car key replaced at the dealership, it may be worth enlisting an outside company to handle the task for you. They may be able offer you a better cost than the dealer and also have a team with more experience to help you replace your car key.
It's also worth noting that it's best to avoid third-party companies or hardware stores to have your keys duplicated. These businesses are unlikely to have the expertise needed to accurately duplicate your keys for your car and are more likely to alter your original keys or create an inferior replacement.
The Automotive Locksmith You Use
If you've ever locked your keys to your car it's a hassle that no one wants to deal with. This is a situation that can occur at the worst time possible, such as when you're in a hurry to attend an important occasion or meeting. You can call an auto locksmith for an immediate and affordable solution instead of visiting the dealership to get.
Car keys and FOBs are equipped with circuitry and transponder chip that must be programmed to allow the start of the car. In the past, these chips were installed in the ignition cylinder however, as technology improved, these chips moved to the key fobs. This made the key fobs more secure, and also harder to duplicate however, it also increased the cost of repairs and replacements since the new key fobs required to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer in order to function.
Many locksmiths for automotive are now capable of working with the latest systems. They can program the new FOBs so that they work with your vehicle and can even take out old ones that won't work. The cost will differ based on the year of your car and make.
The type of key you need also affects the cost. There are two kinds of keys for cars that the majority of vehicles use: a traditional metal key that's not attached to a fob, or any other electrical component, and a remote FOB that controls the ignition and opens/unlocks the doors. The latter is the simplest to replace because it does not require programming and can be cut by an auto
locksmith car key replacement cost using a blank.
It's more costly to replace the transponder key because it's required to unlock the vehicle. This is the reason it's crucial to choose a reputable automotive locksmith when you need to get a new one for your car. If you attempt to do it yourself, or employ tools like coat hangers, you could cause damage to the lock and the key may not function.
The Kind of Key You Need
There are a variety of keys for cars. Some are mechanical and require insertion into the ignition cylinder while others include a transponder and can unlock doors or start the engine from an extended distance. The latter type of key is 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.
It's not enjoyable to lose or take your keys, but it becomes even more stressful when you are unable to start your vehicle and have no where to go. In the past this wasn't an issue, as you could easily obtain a replacement key from any hardware store, or your dealership. However, with the development of advanced security features and the ease of stealing a car through remote control, it's no longer as simple to find an answer.
You can try tracking the keys yourself by searching for online groups or contacting the dealer but that's not always an option. Dealers can only make a new key for your vehicle once you have brought it to them. They'll charge you for this service. It's also worth checking if the cost of replacing the key is covered under your warranty, roadside assistance coverage or bumper-to-bumper insurance.
If you have a conventional mechanical key, it's relatively affordable to replace it if simply need to cut an additional one. Most automotive locksmiths can duplicate these keys for less than $10. However, older models without transponder chips might cost some more.
The most expensive option for a
replacement car key is to go to the dealership. If you own the original key it's the best alternative. Otherwise it's not worth the hassle - especially when the cost is covered by your insurance. If you choose to go this route, be sure you compare estimates and compare them between the key specialists and the dealership.
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 also unlock the doors. As such, they are expensive to replace if you break them or lose them. The cost of the key itself is usually not that expensive, but the work required to cut and program the new one for your particular vehicle is what really adds up. The cost of a new car key can differ greatly based on its complexity, type and the dealer.
The area you live in will also affect the amount it will
cost replacement car key to have an alternative car key. For instance, if live in a rural area there may be fewer automotive locksmiths to assist you with your problem. You might have to pay more if you live in a rural area because they will need to travel further to get to you. If you reside in Chicago there are numerous options for locksmiths for your automobile. You can choose one that charges a competitive price.
In some instances, you can save money by replacing the battery in your car key fob. Most drivers can do this if they adhere to the owner's manual for their vehicle. Some car key companies will do this for free. However, it is best to check the warranty of your vehicle before doing this.
If you've lost your car keys and don't have a spare the best solution is to visit a dealership in your region and get a new one connected to your vehicle. This is the most expensive option however, it's also the most reliable. If you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by showing them the original registration or title, they will be able to create your new key immediately.
