10 Cost Of A Replacement Car Key Tricks All Experts Recommend
The Cost of a Replacement Car Key
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It is important to keep in mind that a replacement key for your car may not cost more than you think.
The cost of buying a new car key is determined by several aspects, including the kind of replacement key you require and the location you live in. Keys made of traditional design are the cheapest while smart keys are the most expensive.
Cost of the parts
The price will vary based on the type of key that you require. Keys with transponder chips that are standard are available for $50 to $110. If you require the keyfob to be chipped or a push-to-start vehicle that requires a second fob, the price will increase. Keys with these types of features can be costly to duplicate or replace and are difficult for car thieves to gain access to.
The year the make and model of your car can also impact the cost. Newer cars may have transponder chips that must be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that the replacement key needs to be programmed to work with the vehicle which can cost up to $200. The cost of replacing keys can also be affected by:
Auto locksmiths are the most affordable alternative, however they don't have the equipment required to deal with more sophisticated key fobs and vehicles. If you don't have the appropriate tools, it can be difficult to copy a simple key at a hardware shop. You can also seek roadside assistance to help find a replacement key but they'll probably tow your car to a dealership and the process could take days to complete.
If you own a more recent key fob, the best method to save money is to buy all-in-one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. This is becoming more difficult, as many key fobs are equipped with security features that prevent theft. Many companies have software that can be used to create keys, but they are generally only available to customers who have service contracts or as a courtesy through the dealership. In attempting to circumvent these restrictions can lead to problems, since most locksmiths won't open cars that were forced or tampered with. If you're able use wire hangers or another method of opening the car, that will also raise red flags for insurance providers.
Cost of Labor
The cost of replacing a car key will be contingent on the type you need. A traditional double-edged car key can usually be duplicated at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, more sophisticated keys require specialized equipment to create and program. This can add significantly to the total cost of replacing keys for cars.
If your car uses the key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll have to install a new fob also. This can run up to $200, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. Additionally, many newer vehicles also include a transponder in the key that needs to be replaced and programmed in order to function correctly. This is a cost that is hard to estimate prior to the time that the key is lost and needs to be replaced.
A cutting machine with specialized capabilities is also required to make the new key replacement. They can be costly to purchase and are not readily available to those who do not have an auto mechanic's shop. The key housing also needs to be replaced, which can increase the cost of a replacement key.
Depending on the type of car key you have, you may need to buy other replacement parts too. Certain key fobs, for instance, come with features such as panic or remote lock/unlock buttons, which can increase the overall cost. Additionally, some key fobs need a battery that can be quite pricey to replace.
It is advisable to create an additional key prior to the time you lose the original. This will lessen the anxiety that comes with losing keys and ensure that you always have a working backup. If you require a new car key, locate an authorized locksmith or dealer who is equipped to work on your car. This will be less expensive than buying a new key from the dealership and should allow you to save some of the costly costs associated with these options.
It's important to keep an inventory of your immobilizer code as well as your key number in case you need to reprogramme a key. This information can be found on your registration and title or any other document. A locksmith or auto dealer may charge a fee to supply this information.
Cost of Equipment
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that are able to lock or unlock and even start the car just by pressing one button. These devices can be very convenient, however they can be costly to replace if they become lost or damaged. Luckily, locksmiths can often save you money by replacing these kinds of keys without the added expense of replacing the device itself. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration when determining the price of the replacement of a car key.
The Year, Make and Model of the Vehicle
There are numerous kinds of car keys, ranging from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These keys are difficult to duplicate because they are unique. This is especially relevant for modern car keys, which have transponders in them which need to be programmed to the vehicle. This can be accomplished by a professional, but will cost more than a regular key copy.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of a replacement car key is the model of car. Keys for older cars and simple models are less expensive to replace, however the most sophisticated cars will generally require a specific device to start the car, and can cost as much as $500 to replace.
The type of key and the location of the car can also impact the cost of a new car key. If you lose your keys in a foreign location, you could be charged more to take your vehicle to the nearest dealer to get a new key programmed. This cost can be prevented by keeping an extra key in a safe place such as at home or work.
It is also important to remember that the majority of the time keys for new cars has to be programmed by a dealer. This is due to the fact that most major dealers don't offer mobile key programming facilities and can only do it in their workshop. car key replacement can be a big cost in the event of losing your car's only set of keys, which is why it's better to be proactive and carry a spare with you always.
Cost of Replacement Keys
You might need to purchase new keys from an automotive locksmith or dealer, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Before you do, check your vehicle's key type and if it comes with a transponder chip or smart key technology. These technologies can increase the cost of replacing your car's key.
A standard car key with key fobs is cheap and can typically be duplicated at a local hardware store for under $25. It's always a good idea to keep a backup in case you lose the original.
Most recent cars come with the key fob that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your vehicle. This could be a big hassle to replace in the event that it gets lost, since you'll have to contact the car manufacturer for a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The cost of an alternative key fob ranges from $50 to $125.
In some cases, you can have a key fob replaced at the dealership as long as you prove ownership by proving registration or title. However, the dealer may still charge an extra cost to cover travel expenses and time spent on an unreachable location. Alternately, you can purchase an aftermarket key on the internet or even directly from the manufacturer. This is a cheaper option, but it could be more risky because the quality of these keys can't be assured.
Do not attempt to break into your own vehicle using wire hangers or even force, as this could trigger alarms and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to open the door of your car. This could also cause damage to the lock and result in cost-plus charges for a full repair or replacement. If you can find the car keys, it might be worth paying more to have them cloned by an auto technician instead of at the dealership. This can save you money, especially when you have a spare car key at home.