Car Key Replacement Cost
Replacing your car key is costly. You may be able to get the cost of replacing your car keys covered by Key Protection Covers that you can purchase as an additional item to your insurance policy, or as a separate item.
The cost of replacing your car keys is different dependent on the year model, make, and year of your car. In this article, we'll examine the factors that affect replacement car key prices.
The Make and Model of Your Vehicle
It's always a headache to lose your keys to your car however, it's a lot more troublesome when you don’t have an extra. In the majority of cases, if you're planning to get back in your car you'll require a new set of keys. However, the key for your car replacement cost can vary significantly depending on your specific vehicle. Modern cars come with a broad array of features that can make it more expensive to replace your keys. For instance sports cars that have high performance usually have special keys that are expensive to duplicate.
It is also more expensive to duplicate the older mechanical key systems since they require the expertise of a dealer. Therefore, it is essential to know the car's model and make prior to getting a quote from a locksmith or an automotive dealership. You will then be able to get a reasonable price estimate.
Another factor that affects the cost of replacing your car keys is how complicated 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 opt to visit a dealership to have their vehicle keys duplicated, thinking that it's cheaper and easier. However, that's not necessarily true, since the dealership is likely to charge an extra fee for their services. This is because the dealerships' principal goal is to make money from their customers.
If you're unable to have your car's key replaced at the dealership, it might be worth considering hiring a third-party company to do the work for you. They may be able to offer you a more competitive price than the dealership, and they will probably have a more knowledgeable team to help you with any key replacement requirements.
In addition, it's important to avoid visiting hardware stores or other third-party businesses to have your car keys duplicated. They lack the knowledge to duplicate your car keys. They are also more likely not to make a substandard replacement or tamper with the original key.
The Automotive Locksmith You Use
If you've ever locked your car keys inside it's a hassle that no one wants to tackle. It's an experience that often occurs at the most inconvenient moment, such as when you're late to an important meeting or event. You can call an auto locksmith for a quick and cost-effective solution instead of going to the dealership to get.
Car keys and FOBs are tiny electronic devices that contain circuitry and have a special transponder chip that needs to be programmed to be able to be able to start the car. In the past the chips were located in the ignition cylinder however, as technology improved, these chips moved to the key fobs. This made the key fobs more secure and 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 the dealer in order to work.
Fortunately, many locksmiths in the automotive industry have learned and adapted to handle these newer systems. They can program your new FOBs to work with your vehicle and can even take out older ones that don't work. The cost will differ based on the year and make, as well as the model.
The type of key you require will also impact the price. There are two kinds of keys for cars that most vehicles use: a traditional metal key that's not attached to a fob, or any other electronic component, and a remote FOB that controls the ignition and opens/unlocks the doors. The latter is usually the cheapest to replace because it does not require programming and can be cut by an automotive locksmith using a specially-designed blank.
The latter kind of key is more expensive to replace because it requires a transponder chip to unlock the car. This is why it's important to choose an authorized locksmith for your vehicle when you need to get an alternative key for your vehicle. Doing it yourself or attempting to use tools such as coat hangers could damage the lock's cylinder, and cause the key not to work, which is why it is recommended to seek assistance in these instances.
What type of key do you need?
There are several different types of keys. Some keys are mechanical, and require insertion directly into the ignition cylinder. Some keys have transponders that are able to unlock doors and also start the engine remotely. The latter type of key is more expensive to replace, since it requires a specialist to program it to your particular vehicle. Locksmiths have been able to adapt the new technology so that you do not have to go to an auto dealer to purchase these keys.
Having your keys stolen or lost isn't a good feeling However, the situation gets much more stressful when you find yourself without a way to start your car and there's no where to go. In the past, this wasn't a problem, as you could easily get a replacement key at any hardware store, or the dealership for your car. But now, with the advent of advanced security features and the possibility of stealing a car by remote control, it's not so easy to find a solution.
You can try tracking down your keys yourself by searching for online groups or contacting the dealer, however, it's not always an option. Dealers will only create a new key for your vehicle after you have brought it to them. They'll charge you for this service. It's also worth determining 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 relatively cheap to replace if you only need to cut a new one. Most automotive locksmiths can duplicate them for less than $10, but you might require more for older models that do not use transponder chips.
The dealership is the most expensive way to purchase a new vehicle key. If you have the original key then this is the most efficient alternative. Otherwise it's not worth the hassle, especially if the cost is covered by your insurance. If you decide to go this route, be sure to research and compare prices between dealerships and third-party key experts.
The Location
Car keys are electronic devices that have batteries and circuitry. They also have transmitters that send a code that allows you to start your car and open the doors. They can be expensive to replace in the event 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 key for your specific car is what really adds up. The cost of these keys can vary greatly depending on the kind and complexity of the key and the locksmith or dealer you choose to use.
The location of your home could also impact the price of the purchase of a new car key. For example, if you live in a rural area there may be fewer automotive locksmiths to assist you with your problem. This means you'll have to pay more for their services since they'll need to travel longer distances to get to you. On the other hand when you live in a city like Chicago there will be numerous locksmiths for automobiles to select from, so you can find one that has competitive rates for their services.
In certain situations it is possible to save money on a replacement for your car key by simply replacing the battery on your key fob for your car. This is something that can be done by the majority of drivers when they follow the directions provided in their car's owner's manual. Some companies that sell car keys can even provide this service for free, but it is recommended to check your car's warranty before you do this.
If you lost your car key and don't have a spare the best choice is to visit a dealer in your area and purchase a replacement that is paired with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option but it's also the most reliable. You can create a key on the spot when you show them your registration or your title.