Car Key Replacement Cost
Replacing a car's key can be expensive. It is possible to have the cost of replacing your car key covered by Key Protection Covers that you can purchase as an additional item to your insurance policy or as a separate product.
The cost of replacing your car keys can vary dependent on the year the model, make and year of your car. In this article, we'll break down the factors that affect replacement car key costs.
What is the model and make of your vehicle?
It's always a pain to lose your car keys and it's even more difficult when you don’t have spare keys. In the majority of cases, when you want to get back in your car you'll need a fresh set of keys. The cost of replacing a car key could vary greatly based on the car. This is because modern cars have a range of different features, and these can increase the cost to replace your keys. For example, high-performance sports automobiles often have specialized keys that can be expensive to duplicate.
In addition older mechanical key systems are also more costly to reproduce since they require the expertise of a dealer to work. Therefore, it is essential to know your car's make and model before getting a quote from a locksmith or automotive dealership. You will then be able to obtain a fair price estimate.
The complexity of your key system can influence the cost. For instance, modern keys fobs have a battery and electronic circuitry, making them more complicated to replace than keys from the past.
Some car owners go to the dealer to duplicate their keys, believing that it will be cheaper. The dealership may charge a premium fee for their services. This is because the dealership's main goal is to make money from their customers.
If you aren't able to have your car's key replaced at the dealership, it could be worth enlisting an outside company to handle the task for you. They may be able offer you a cheaper price than the dealer, and also have a team with more experience to assist you replace your car key.
It is also important to note that it is best to avoid going to hardware stores or companies that are third party to duplicate your keys. These companies aren't likely to have the expertise needed to copy your keys for your car and are more likely to tamper with your original key or make an inferior replacement keys for car.
The Automotive Locksmith You Use
It's a hassle that nobody wants. It's a situation that usually happens at the worst possible timing, 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 a dealership if you want.
Car keys and FOBs are tiny electronic devices that are equipped with circuitry and a transponder chip that needs to be programmed in order to be able to start the vehicle. In the past the chips were located in the ignition cylinder however, as technology improved and the chips were repositioned, they were placed on the key fobs. This made the key fobs more secure and harder to duplicate, but it also increased the cost of repairs and replacements because the new key fobs required to be programmed by an automotive locksmith or dealer to function.
Many automotive locksmiths are now capable of working with the newer systems. They can program new FOBs that work with your vehicle, or remove old ones if they don't work. The cost of this service will vary dependent on the year model, make, and year of your car.
The type of key you need can also affect the cost. The majority of vehicles have two kinds of keys: a conventional metal fob that is not attached to the ignition or any other electrical component. The second is a remote car key Replacement key that locks and unlocks doors. The latter is the simplest to replace since it doesn't require programming and can easily be cut by an auto locksmith using an empty.
It's more expensive to replace the transponder keys because it is required to unlock the car. It's vital to use an experienced locksmith to replace your key when you need one. Doing it yourself or attempting to use tools like coat hangers can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key not to work, which is why it is recommended to seek assistance in these instances.
What kind of key do you require?
There are several different types of keys. Some are mechanical and just require insertion into the ignition cylinder while others contain transponders and allow you to unlock doors or start the engine from some distance. The type that is the latter is more expensive to replace because it requires a professional to program it to your particular vehicle. Locksmiths have adapted the new technology so that you don't need to visit a dealership to get these keys.
The loss of your keys or lost isn't fun, but the situation becomes more stressful when you find yourself without a way to start your car and you have no where to go. In the past, this wasn't a problem since you could obtain a replacement key from any hardware store, or your dealership. With the introduction of modern security methods and the ease with that a vehicle could be taken away via remote car key replacement control, finding a solution is no longer so simple.
You can track down your keys yourself by searching online for groups or contacting the dealer, however, it's not always the best alternative. Dealers can only create an additional key for your vehicle once you bring it to them. They'll charge you for this service. You should also check if your warranty roadside service or bumper-to-bumper insurance will cover the cost of a cheapest replacement car keys key.
If you have a traditional mechanical key, it's cheap to replace if you only need to cut an additional one. Most automotive locksmiths are able to duplicate these keys for less than $10. However, older models without transponder chips might cost some more.
The dealership is the most expensive option to get a new car key. This is the most efficient option if you've got the original key to show them, but otherwise it's probably not worth the hassle, especially when your insurance company will cover the cost. If you decide to go this route, make sure you shop around for estimates and compare them between the key specialists and the dealership.
The Location
Car keys are electronic devices that have circuitry and batteries. They also come with a transmitter which transmits a number to the car to unlock its doors and start the engine. They can be costly to replace in the event you lose or break them. The cost of the actual key itself is not that expensive but the effort to cut and program the new key to your specific vehicle is what really adds up. The cost of a new key could vary widely based on its complexity, type, and the dealer.
The area you live in will also affect the amount it will cost to have a replacement car key made. If you reside in rural areas, there might be less automotive locksmiths to help you. You may have to pay more if you live in a rural area since they need to travel further to reach you. If you reside in Chicago there are many options of locksmiths for automobiles. You can choose one that charges a competitive price.
In some cases, you can save money by replacing the battery on the key fob of your car. This can be done by the majority of drivers if they follow the instructions provided in their car's owner's manual. Some companies that sell car keys will even do this for free, however it is a good idea to confirm the warranty on your car before you do this.
If you've have lost your car key and don't have a spare, the best solution is to visit an area dealership and get a new one that is paired with your vehicle. This is the most expensive, but also the most reliable option. You can create a key on the spot if you can show them your registration or title.