It's a pain and a cost to lose your car keys. The cost to replace them depends on where and what kind of key you have made.
Traditional keys are usually copied by locksmiths for less than $10 but many newer cars use transponder chips which must be programmed by the dealer. Laser cut keys and key blades are more expensive and require an appointment with the dealer.
Model and Make of Your Vehicle
When you lose your car keys it can be an extremely stressful and frustrating. If you have a spare car key and you are aware of the type of key you lost, it may be simpler to duplicate. Locksmiths can create copies of an older mechanical key fairly quickly and easily such as. However, more sophisticated types of keys require special skills to copy. They also have to be programmed, which means you'll need visit your dealer to get a new one.
The kind of key lost will also affect the amount it costs to replace. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is fitted into the ignition cylinder is much less than the cost of replacing the key fob which has an electronic transponder that must be programmed. It is more expensive to replace the key fob if it is equipped with a switchblade, or other specific features.
The cost of replacing your car keys can be affected by whether you replace it yourself or with the help of a professional. Professionals are more expensive than DIY methods, but will save you time and frustration. They'll also have the most experience with your particular type of vehicle.
It's a good idea to replace a car key. It's a good idea to be aware of the factors that determine how much it will cost so you can plan according to your budget.
Find a local auto locksmith to receive an estimate of the cost of your car key. They can provide you with a quote based upon your specific car model and the make. They will also have the equipment needed to finish the job. Roadside assistance is a different option however it can be costly. It's also worth noting that your insurance company may offer this service as a part of your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they'll provide the services you require.
Dealerships
A few years ago the loss or misplacement of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact roadside assistance to get your car taken to the dealership, get an alternative key, and be back on the road in a matter of minutes. But as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys - and that makes them more expensive to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the best way to save on expenses, unless you need a new key remote, transponder or key fob. Instead, look for an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that can provide OEM or third-party keys for less than the price. Many of these stores have an online search tool that can help you locate an in-store.
It's also worth looking for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, as these are usually cheaper than dealerships. They may not have the type of key in stock and you'll need to purchase it. If they do have the key you require expect to pay between $220 and $350 for the replacement and programming.
Dealers might offer in-house services to replace car keys or fix other lockout issues, but these are still more expensive than a locksmith who is independent. This is especially true for the more popular automobile brands such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. The key chips and fobs are more complex and expensive to replace than other manufacturers'.
If you do end up at a dealership, make sure to inquire whether there are any guarantees that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty could lower your cost. You might be able to get an emergency locksmith to your location who can unlock the vehicle right there and create a replacement key. This is an excellent option if you don't have the time to wait for your dealer to set up and make your key. You can save as much as 50% by using an independent locksmith rather than the dealership's service center.
Independent Locksmiths
Losing your car keys not only stressful, but can also be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest way to replace lost keys. They are cheaper than dealerships and don't have as much overhead costs.
If you already have a working key, the cost of a new key will vary. If you have one the latter, the cost will be much less as a copy can be made using the current key and does not need to be programmed. Typically, old mechanical keys that do not contain a transponder chip them can be copied for a price of $10 or less.
Modern electronic keys, on the other hand, are more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to integrate with the system of your vehicle. Based on the car's make and model the procedure can be as simple as entering the code, or as complicated as utilizing a decryptor to reprogram the key to ensure proper operation.
Lastly, it is important to consider the location of your vehicle could also impact the cost of getting an alternative key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, getting the car key replaced could be more costly as there may not be anyone near to assist with the process. This is because many people in this situation rely on roadside assistance, but these services can be costly and typically only cover part of the costs involved.
When you are calculating the cost of replacing a key, it's important to remember that many locksmiths who are independent offer discounts to new customers or those who refer their services to others. This is because they want to grow their business and rely on word-of-mouth marketing instead of costly advertisements.
One final suggestion: always have an extra car key. This will avoid the burden of replacing a key that has been lost, and will be less expensive than trying to do so at the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost to replace your car key, call your insurance provider and inquire about the cost. Although they typically do not cover lost keys to cars, some of them provide it as a premium extra.
Replacement Keys
Whether you lost your key or just need to replace an older key there are a lot of factors that could be factored into the cost of acquiring a new car key. You should first write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car. This will allow you decide the best place to go to obtain an alternative key. The VIN number is on the dashboard of the driver or in the owner's manual.
You might need to visit a dealer to get a new key if yours contains an electronic transponder. The chips need to be programmed to function in order to communicate with the vehicle in order to allow it to start. car replacement keys near me is done using special machines, which are typically only available at dealerships. They can cost up to $200 for the new key and fob.
If your car has a traditional key with no transponder chips You should be able to find a locksmith that can duplicate it at a lesser cost. It could cost as little as $10 for a set of keys or $150 based on the type.
Different types of keys are a little more difficult to replicate and can be more expensive. If you have a switchblade key that folds into the fob, this can be more expensive than other key types because it is more labor-intensive to make. Another option that is expensive is a smart key that uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. This can be difficult to reprogram, and typically will cost the most money for an alternative key.
If you aren't able to afford going to a dealer for your new key, seek out an auto locksmith in your neighborhood who is specialized in the type of car you drive. They'll likely be able to offer a lower estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some provide mobile services, which means they'll come to your home or office to cut keys and program them for you.
