How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
The loss of your car keys can be costly and frustrating. The cost to replace them is contingent on the location and what type of key you've made.
Traditional keys can usually be copied by a locksmith for less than $10 however, many modern cars have transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Keys cut with lasers and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require a trip to the dealership.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
If you lose your car keys it can be stressful and difficult. However, if you own an additional key and are aware of the kind of car key you lost, the process could be a little easier. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith could likely duplicate it quickly and easily. To copy more advanced keys, you'll require special knowledge. They also have to be reprogrammed, so you'll have to visit your dealer to get a replacement.
The kind of key lost will also affect the amount it costs to replace it. For instance, traditional mechanical keys that insert into the ignition cylinder are less expensive to replace than a key fob which has a special transponder that has to be programmed. Key fobs will typically cost more to replace if it comes with a switchblade key or other specialized features.
The cost of replacing your car keys may be affected by the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help by a professional. Professionals cost more than DIY methods but can save you time and frustration. They will also have the most experience in your particular type of vehicle.
While getting a car key replaced is costly however, it's worthwhile in the long run. It is important to be aware of all the variables that affect the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can plan for the future.
The best way to determine the cost of your car key will cost is to find an auto locksmith in your area. They will be able to provide you with an estimate based upon the make and model of your vehicle. They will have the equipment to perform a great job. Roadside assistance is another option, but it can be costly. It's important to note that your insurance company might offer this service as a part of your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they'll provide the services you need.
Dealerships
Not too long ago having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact roadside assistance to get your car towed to the dealer, pick up an alternative key, and get back on the road in a matter of minutes. As cars evolved in terms of technology, so have their keys. This makes them more costly to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the best way to save on costs, unless you need an entirely new key remote, transponder or key fob. Instead, find an independent locksmith or car key replacement shop that can provide OEM or third-party keys at a fraction of the cost. A lot of these shops have an online search tool that can help you find a nearby store.
It is also worth looking for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, since these are usually cheaper than dealerships. They might not have your kind of key in stock and you'll need to purchase it. If they have the key, you should expect to pay between $200 and $350.
Some dealers offer in-house service for replacing car keys 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. Their key fobs and chips are more complex and expensive to replace than other brands'.
If you find yourself at the dealership, make sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty could help reduce your bill. You may be able to get a mobile locksmith sent to your location. They will unlock the car on the spot and create a new key. This is a great solution for those who do not have the patience to wait for your dealership to make and install your key. In addition, you may be able to save up to 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the service center of the dealership.
Independent Locksmiths
Losing your car keys not only stressful, but can also be costly. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest option to replace keys that have been lost. They are cheaper than dealerships and do not have as many overhead costs.
If you already have a working key, the cost of a new key can vary. If you already have a key it will cost less since it can be copied from the key without the need to be programmed. Typically, older mechanical keys that do not include a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10.
On the other side, modern electronic key fobs are more expensive to duplicate because they require programming in order to work with your car's security system. Based on the make and model the process could be as easy as entering the code or as intricate as using a special decryptor to reprogram the key for proper operation.
In the end, it is important to remember that the location of your car will also affect the cost of getting the new key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, having your car key replaced can be more costly as there isn't anyone nearby to assist you with the process. The majority of people in this scenario rely on roadside help, but it can be costly and only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that could be helpful when you calculate your replacement key cost is that many locksmiths who are independent will offer discounts on their services for new customers or those who recommend them to others. They do this to encourage their business to expand and rely more on word of mouth marketing, rather than costly advertisements.
One final suggestion: always have a spare car key. This will avoid the hassle of having to replace a key that has been lost, and it will be cheaper than trying to replace it at the last minute. In addition, if you're concerned about the expense of replacing your car keys, try calling your insurance company for more information on their conditions and terms. Although they typically do not cover lost keys to cars but some of them do as a premium add-on.
Key Replacement
There are a variety of aspects that could affect the cost of an additional key for your car, whether you have lost yours or you need to replace it. The first thing you need to do is write down the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number), as this will help you determine where you'll need to go to obtain an additional key. This number can be found on the driver's side of your dashboard or in the owner's manual.
You may have go to a dealer to get a new key when yours is equipped with an electronic transponder. These chips need to be programmed to work in order to communicate with the vehicle in order to begin it. automotive car key replacement is done with special equipment, which is usually only available at dealerships. They can cost up to $200 for the new fob and key.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key that does not have transponder chips You should be able to find a locksmith who can duplicate it for a much lesser cost. This could cost as little as $10 for one set of keys or as much as $150 based on the type.
Different types of keys are a little more difficult to duplicate and may be more expensive. If you have a switchblade key that folds into the fob this can be more expensive than other key types because it requires more work to make. Another expensive option is a smart key, that uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key can be high.
There is an auto-locksmith local to you who is familiar with the model you own if you don't want to go to the dealership. They are more likely to capable of offering a lower estimate and are more reliable that dealers. Some provide mobile services which means they'll come to your home or office to cut keys and program them for you.