How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
Losing your car keys can be frustrating and expensive. The cost of replacing keys varies based on where you are and what type of key you have made.
Traditional keys can be copied by a locksmith for less than $10 however, most modern cars utilize transponder chips which must be programmed by the dealer. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are more expensive and require an excursion to the dealer.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
Losing your car keys can be frustrating and stressful. If you have an extra car key and you know the type of key you lost, it may be more straightforward to duplicate. A locksmith can make duplicates of a key that was made in the past quite quickly and easily for instance. However, more advanced types of keys require specialized knowledge to be copied. They also have to be programmed, meaning you'll likely have go to your local dealer to get a new one.
The kind of key lost will also determine how much it will cost to replace it. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is put into the ignition cylinder is lower than the cost of replacing the key fob which has an electronic transponder that must be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob if it's equipped with a switchblade or specific features.
If you decide to replace your key with the help of an expert or do it yourself could have an impact on your car key replacement costs as well. Professionals usually cost more than DIY methods however, they can save you time and frustration. They'll also have the best knowledge of your specific model of vehicle.
It's worth the cost to replace a car key. You should familiarize yourself with all the elements that determine the cost of your car key replacement to be able to plan ahead.
Find a local auto locksmith to obtain an estimate of the cost of your car key. They will be able to give you an estimate based upon the make and model of your car. They will have the equipment to do a good job. Roadside assistance is a different option, but it can be costly. It's worth noting that your insurance company may offer this service as part of your policy. However it's not always a guarantee that they will offer the services you require.
Dealerships
A few years ago having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could call roadside assistance to have your vehicle towed to a dealership, purchase a new key and be back on the road in a matter of minutes. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This makes them more costly to replace.
The best way to save money is to not go to the dealership except if you require a replacement key fob, key remote, or transponder chip keys. Find a local independent locksmith or key replacement shop that can provide OEM or 3rd party keys at less than the cost. Many of these shops offer an online search tool that can assist you in finding a store close to you.
It is also worth looking for a location to cut and program standard keys, as they are typically less expensive than dealerships. The drawback is that they might not have the key you require and might 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 keys to cars and other lockout problems, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or an independent service. This is particularly applicable to popular car brands such as Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. Key fobs and chips are more complex and costly to replace than other brands'.
If you end up at the dealership, be sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If so, calling the dealership to mention the warranty could help you save money. You might be able to get a mobile locksmith delivered to your area who will unlock your vehicle on the spot and make a replacement key. This is a great option if you do not have time to wait for your dealer to set up and make your key. Moreover, you might be saving up to 50% by visiting an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center.
Independent Locksmiths
The loss of your car keys is not just stressful, it can also be costly. The most budget-friendly option to replace the lost key is to search for an independent locksmith as they are usually cheaper than going to a dealership and do not have the same overhead expenses.
The cost of a replacement key may depend on whether or not you have an existing key that you can copy from. If you do, it will cost much lower since the copy can be made using the current key and not require programming. Keys that were mechanical before the transponder can be copied for just $10.
On the other the other hand, modern electronic keys fobs are much more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to integrate with the car's system. This process can vary depending on the model and make of your vehicle. car fob key replacement can be as easy or complex as entering a code or using an encryption device.
Lastly, it is important to remember that the location of your car can also impact the cost of obtaining a new key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, it may be more expensive to replace your car's key since there isn't one nearby to assist. This is because many people in this situation rely on roadside assistance, however the cost of these services can be expensive and usually only cover a portion of the cost.
One thing that is helpful to remember when calculating your replacement key cost is that many locksmiths who are independent offer discounts on their services for first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. This is due to the fact that they are looking to expand their business and rely on word-of-mouth marketing as opposed to costly advertising.
One final tip is to always keep an extra key on hand, since this will not only save you from the stress of dealing with lost car keys, but it will also be less expensive than trying to replace a lost key at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost to replace your car key, call your insurance company and ask for more information. Although they typically do not cover lost car keys but some of them do as a premium add-on.
Replacement Keys
If you've lost your key or just need to replace an older key there are a lot of things that can factor into the cost of acquiring the new car key. It is important to note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle. This will allow you decide where to go to find a replacement key. This number is found on the side of the dashboard that is on the driver or in the vehicle owner's manual.
You might need to visit a dealer to get a new key when yours is equipped with an electronic transponder. These chips must be programmed to work by communicating with the vehicle to allow it to start. This is done with special equipment that is usually only available through the dealership and can cost as high as $200 for a new fob and key.
If your car has a traditional key without transponder chips, a locksmith will be able to duplicate the key at a lower cost. It could cost as low as $10 for a set of keys or as much as $150 based on the type.
Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and therefore more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds up into a fob, is usually more expensive than any other type of key because it requires more effort to create. Another option that can be costly is a smart lock, that uses the proximity sensor to open the car door. It can be difficult to reprogram, and typically will cost you the most for an alternative key.
If you aren't able to afford going to a dealer for your new key, try to find a local auto locksmith who specializes in the brand of vehicle you use. They'll likely be able to provide a less expensive estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some provide mobile services where they will come to your office or home to cut keys and program them for you.