Car Key Replacement Cost

Replacing your car key could be costly. In certain instances you can have the cost covered by a key protection cover, which is often offered as an additional add-on or as part of your car insurance policy.

The cost of replacing your car keys varies dependent on the year the model, make and year of your vehicle. In this article we will examine the factors that affect the cost of replacement car keys.

The Make and Model of Your Vehicle

Losing your car keys is always a big hassle however, it's even more difficult if you don't have a spare. In most cases, if you want to drive your car again you'll require a new set of keys. However, the car key replacement cost can differ significantly dependent on the specific car you own. This is due to the fact that modern cars come with a range of different features, and these features can raise the cost to replace your keys. For instance, high-performance sport cars often come with keys that are specialized and can be expensive to duplicate.

It's also more expensive to duplicate the older mechanical key systems since they require the knowledge of a dealer. It's important that you know the model and make of your car before requesting a quote from an automotive dealership or locksmith. This way, you can expect a fair price estimate.

Another aspect that can affect the cost of replacing car keys is how complex your key system is. For instance, modern keys fobs have a battery and circuitry that makes them more complicated to replace than older keys.

Some car owners decide to go to a dealership to have their car keys duplicated because they think it's less expensive and quicker. The dealership may charge a premium price for their services. This is because the dealership's principal goal is to make profits from their customers.

You might want to think about hiring a third party company to replace your car keys if cannot afford to do so at the dealership. They might be able to offer you a better price than the dealer, and have a staff with more experience to help you replace your car keys.

In addition, it's important to avoid going to hardware stores or other third-party companies to get duplicate keys for your car. These companies aren't likely to have the experience required to copy your car keys, and they are also more likely to alter your original keys or create an inferior replacement.

The Automotive Locksmith You Use

If you've ever locked your keys to your car, it's a headache which no one wants to tackle. It's a situation that usually happens at the worst possible time, like when you're late to an important event or meeting. You can contact an auto locksmith for an immediate and cost-effective solution instead of visiting an auto dealership if you need.

Car keys and FOBs have circuitry and transponder chip that must be programmed in order to start the car. In the past the chips were placed inside the cylinder for ignition. As technology improved, the chips were moved to the keyfobs. This made the key fobs more secure and harder to duplicate however, it also increased the cost of replacements and repairs because the new key fobs had to be programmed by an auto locksmith or the dealer to function.

Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths for cars have learned and adapted to deal with these modern systems. They can program new FOBs that work with your vehicle, or replace the old ones if they do not work. The cost will differ based on the year and make, Cost of Replacement Car Key as well as the model.

The kind of key you require also affects the cost. Most vehicles use two types of keys: a traditional metal fob that is not connected to the ignition or any other electrical component, and remote keys that lock and unlocks the doors. The former is the easiest to replace because it does not require programming and can easily be cut by an auto locksmith using the blank.

It's more costly to replace the transponder keys because it is required to unlock the car. It's vital to use an experienced locksmith to replace your keys when you need one. If you try to do it yourself or use tools such as coat hangers, you could cause damage to the lock and the key replacement car will not work.

What type of key do you need?

There are many different types of keys for cars. Some are mechanical and just require insertion into the ignition cylinder, while others have a transponder and can unlock doors or start the engine from some distance. The keys with transponders are more expensive to replace, as it requires a professional to program it to your particular vehicle. Locksmiths have been able to adapt the new technology so that you don't need to visit an auto dealer to purchase these keys.

Having your keys stolen or lost is never fun, but the situation becomes more stressful when find yourself without a way to start your car and have no where to go. In the past this wasn't an issue, as you could easily obtain a replacement key from any hardware store, or the dealership for your car. But now, with the development of advanced security features and the ease of stealing cars by remote control, it's no longer as easy to find an answer.

You can search online for your keys or call the dealer. However this isn't always the case. Most dealers are only capable of making a replacement key for your car after you bring it in and they'll charge you for the service. It's also worth looking into whether the cost of replacing the key is covered under your warranty, roadside assistance coverage or bumper-to-bumper insurance.

If you have a traditional mechanical key, it's relatively cheap to replace if you just require an additional one. Most locksmiths for automotive can duplicate keys for less than $10. However, older models without transponder chips may cost a bit more.

The dealership is the most expensive method to obtain a new car key. This is the most efficient option if you have the original key to show them, but otherwise, it's probably not worth the hassle, especially when your insurance company will cover the cost of replacement car key. If you choose to go this route, be sure you compare quotes and compare them between the key specialists and dealers.

The Location

Car keys are tiny electronic devices that are equipped with battery power and circuitry. They also have transmitters that transmit a code that allows you to start your car and unlock the doors. They can be expensive to replace in the event that they break or are lost. The cost of the key itself is not that expensive however the effort required to cut and program the new one for your specific car is what can add up. The cost of a new car key can differ greatly based on the complexity, type, and dealer.

The area you live in will also affect the amount it will cost to have a new car key. For instance, if you live in a rural area there might be fewer auto locksmiths who can assist you with your issue. You might pay more if you live in a rural location because they need to travel further to reach you. If you live in Chicago there are many options for automotive locksmiths. You can choose a locksmith that is priced competitively.

In some cases it is possible to save money on a new car key by simply changing the battery in your key fob for your car. This is something that can be done by most drivers when they follow the directions included in their vehicle's owner's manual. Some car key companies will do this for free. However, it's important to check the warranty on your car prior to doing this.

If you've lost the car key and you don't have an extra, the best thing to do is go to a local dealership and get a replacement that matches your car. This is the most expensive but also the most reliable alternative. If you can prove you are the owner of the vehicle by giving them a copy of your registration or title, they will be able to create an additional key for you immediately.