How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
It's a pain and a cost to lose your car keys. The cost to replace keys is contingent on the type of key and the location where it is made.
Locksmiths are usually able to copy traditional keys for less than $10. However, a lot of newer vehicles use transponder chip technology which must be programmed at the dealership. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require an appointment with the dealer.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
If you lose your car keys, it can be stressful and frustrating. If you have a spare car key and you are aware of what kind of key you lost, it could be easier to duplicate. Locksmiths can create a copy of an older mechanical key relatively quickly and efficiently such as. To duplicate more sophisticated keys, you'll need special knowledge. They also have to be programmed, which means you'll likely have go to your local dealer to purchase a new one.
The type of key lost will also determine the cost of replacing it. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is fitted into the ignition cylinder is less than that of the key fob which has transponder, which needs to be programmed. The latter will also typically cost more to replace if it comes with an ignition switchblade or other specialized features.
The decision to replace your key with the assistance of a professional or do it yourself may affect your car key replacement costs as well. Professionals cost more than DIY methods, but they will save you time and frustration. They'll also have the best experience with your particular type of vehicle.
While getting a car's key replaced can be expensive, it's worth it in the long run. You must be aware of all the elements that determine the cost of replacing your car keys so you can plan ahead.
Find an auto-locksmith in your area to obtain an estimate of the cost of your car key. They'll be able to provide you with an estimate based upon the model and make of your car. They will have the equipment to perform a great job. Roadside assistance is another option however it can be costly. You should also note that your insurance provider may include this service in your policy. However it's not always a guarantee that they will provide the services you require.
Dealerships
A few years ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could simply contact roadside assistance to get your vehicle towed to the dealership, get a new key, and get back on the road in a matter of minutes. As cars evolved in terms of technology, so have the keys. This makes them more expensive to replace.
The best way to save money is to not go to the dealership unless you require a new key fob, key remote or transponder chip key. Look for an independent car locksmith or key replacement shop that can provide OEM or 3rd-party keys for a fraction of the price. A lot of these shops have an online search tool that will help you find the nearest store.
It's also worth looking for a location to cut and program standard keys, since these are usually cheaper than dealerships. The downside is that they may not have the type of key you require and may need to order it for you. If they have the key, you could expect to pay between $200 and $350.
Some dealers offer in-house services for replacing car keys and other lockout issues, however they're still more expensive than a locksmith service or an independent service. This is particularly true for top car brands like Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. Their key fobs and chips are more complicated and expensive to replace than other brands'.
If cost for car key replacement end up at a dealership, make sure you inquire whether there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, contacting the dealership to mention the warranty could help you save money. It is possible to get a mobile locksmith sent to your location who can unlock the vehicle right there and create a replacement key. This is a great solution if you aren't able to wait days for the dealership to order the key and install it. Additionally, 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
The loss of your car keys is not just stressful, it can also be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest option to replace keys that have been lost. They are cheaper than dealerships and don't have as many overhead costs.
The cost of a replacement key can also vary depending on whether or whether you have an existing key that you can copy from. If you have it the latter, the cost will be much lower since the copy can be made from the current key and not need to be programmed. Keys that were mechanical before the transponder can be copied for less than $10.
Modern electronic keys, on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to work with your vehicle's system. Based on the car's make and model, this process can be as easy as entering the code, or as complicated as using a special decryptor to modify the key for proper operation.
It is also important to note that the location of the vehicle may influence the cost of a new key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, having your car key replaced can be more costly since there might not be any one close to help with the process. The majority of people in this scenario depend on roadside assistance however, it can be expensive and only cover a fraction of the cost.
One thing that can be useful to keep in mind when calculating the cost of replacing your key is that a lot of locksmiths offer discounts on their services to first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. They do this to encourage their business to grow and rely more on word-of-mouth marketing than expensive advertisements.
A final suggestion is to always have a spare key, as this will not only keep you from the hassle of dealing with lost car keys and be less expensive than trying to replace lost keys at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key, call your insurance provider and ask for more information. Some insurance companies offer an additional fee to replace keys that are lost.
Key Replacement
There are a myriad of factors that could impact the cost of a new key for your car, regardless of whether you've lost your key or you need to replace it. The first thing to do is write down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) which will aid you in determining where you'll need to go to obtain an additional key. This number can be found on the dashboard of the driver, or in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Depending on the year, model and model of your vehicle depending on the year, make and model of your car, you may need to go to a dealership in order to get an additional key, particularly in the case of an electronic transponder chip. These chips communicate with the vehicle to begin it, and therefore they need to be programmed to work. This is accomplished using special machines that are usually only available at dealerships and can cost as high as $200 for a new fob and key.
If your car has a traditional key with no transponder chips You should be able to locate a locksmith who will duplicate it for a much cheaper price. Depending on the type of key, this can be as low as $10 or up to $150 for a whole set of replacement keys.
Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and therefore more expensive. If you have a switchblade type key that folds into the fob it is usually more expensive than other keys as it requires more effort to create. Smart keys, which rely on proximity sensors to unlock the car's door, are also a costly alternative. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key could be high.
You can locate an auto-locksmith in your area who is familiar with the model you own if you don't want to go to a dealership. They are more likely to be able give you a lower price and will be more reliable than dealerships. Some provide mobile services, where they'll visit your home or office to cut and program keys for you.