The Cost of a Replacement Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience. It's important to keep in mind that a replacement key may not be as expensive as you think.
The cost of buying a new car key is determined by various 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 parts
The price will vary based on the type of key that you need. Standard keys without transponder chips are priced from $50 to $110. The price increases when you require keys with a transponder chip, or a push-to start vehicle which requires an additional fob to start the car. Keys with these types of features are costly to duplicate or replace, and are harder for car thieves to gain access to.
The year and make of your vehicle will also impact the cost. Newer vehicles may come with transponder chips which need to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith. This means that keys that are spare will need to be programmed with the car. This could cost up to $200. Other factors that influence the cost of replacement keys are:
Auto locksmiths may be the most expensive however, they don't have the equipment to handle advanced key fobs or vehicles. You can attempt to duplicate the basic key yourself at a hardware store, however, the process takes a long time and may be a challenge in the absence of the proper tools. You can also call roadside assistance for a new key. However, they will take your vehicle to a dealer and the process could take a few days.
If you have a newer key fob, the best way to reduce your costs is to buy all-in-one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. This is becoming increasingly difficult since many key fobs come with security features that prevent theft. Many companies have software programs that can be used to make keys, however these are typically only available to customers with service contracts or as a courtesy through the dealership. Trying to bypass 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 to open the car, that will also raise red flags for insurance companies.
Cost of Labor
The cost of replacing a car key will be contingent on the type of key you require. car key fob replacements -edged car key is usually duplicated at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, more sophisticated keys require special equipment to design and manufacture. This can significantly increase the cost of replacing your car key.
If your vehicle has an ignition key to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll have to have a new fob installed as well. The cost can be up to $200, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Many modern vehicles have transponders inside the key which must be programmed and replaced to function properly. This is a cost that can be difficult to estimate until the key actually is lost and must be replaced.
To create a replacement key, a specialized cutting machine is required. These can be expensive to purchase and aren't readily available to those who do not have an auto mechanic's shop. Additionally, the key's housing is also required to be replaced which could add to the overall costs of making a replacement car key.
Based on the type of car key you have, you may need to buy other replacement parts as well. For instance, some key fobs have features like remote lock/unlock and panic buttons which can increase the overall costs. Certain key fobs also require batteries, which can be expensive to replace.
It is recommended to create a spare car key prior to the time you lose your original key. This will ease the stress of losing your keys and will ensure that you always have a working backup. If you need a new key, you should seek out a locksmith or car dealer that has the proper equipment to work with your car. This is less expensive than purchasing a new one from a dealership and will let you avoid the high cost associated with those options.
It is important to keep a record of your immobilizer code and key number if you have to reprogramme your 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, unlock, and even start the car just by pressing one button. These devices can be very convenient, but expensive to replace if they become damaged or lost. Locksmiths can save you money by replacing keys without having to replace the device. However, there are several aspects to take into consideration when it comes to determining the cost of a replacement car key.
The year, make and model of the vehicle
There are many different types of car keys, from basic, laser cut keys to switchesblade keys. They are extremely difficult to duplicate since they are so distinct. This is particularly true for modern car keys which have transponders in them which need to be programmed to the vehicle. This process can be done by a professional, however it will generally cost more than a copy of the keys.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing a car key is the type of car. Older cars with basic keys cost less to replace. However the most sophisticated cars require a special key that can cost upwards of $500 to replace.
The type of key and the location of the car may also impact the cost of a new key. If you lose your keys in an unfamiliar area, you may be charged more to tow your car to the nearest dealer to have a new key programmed. You can cut down on this expense by keeping keys in a secure location in your home, like at work or office.
It is also important to understand that most times the new car key has to be programmed by a dealer. This is because the majority of dealers do not have mobile key programming facilities and are able to do this in their workshop. It can be expensive when you lose your sole set of keys. So, it's better to keep a spare set of keys with you.
Cost of replacing keys
Based on the brand and model of your vehicle You may need to purchase replacement keys from a dealer or an automotive locksmith. Before you do, check the type of your car's keys and whether it has a transponder chip or smart key technology. These technologies can raise the cost of replacing your car's keys.
A traditional car key without key fobs is cheap and can typically be duplicated at a local hardware store for under $25. It is recommended to keep a spare in case you lose your original.
Most recent cars come with the key fob that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your car. This can be a major problem to replace in the event that it gets lost, since you'll have to contact the manufacturer of your car to request a replacement key and pair it with your vehicle. The cost of a standard key fob replacement can be anywhere between $50 and $150.
In certain instances, you can replace a keyfob at the dealer if you provide evidence of ownership, like the registration or title. However, the dealer could still charge an extra cost to cover the cost of travel and time spent in remote locations. You can also purchase an aftermarket key online, or even directly from the car manufacturer. This is a cheaper option, but may be a bit more risky as the quality of the keys cannot be guaranteed.
Never try to get into your car with wire hangers or force. This could raise alarms and make it harder for a locksmith to open the door. This could also damage the lock, which could lead to cost-intensive repairs or replacements. If you can locate your car keys, it could be worth the extra money to have them duplicated by an auto repair shop instead of at the dealership. This could save you money, particularly if there is a spare car key at home.