Cost of Replacement Car Keys

It's a major trouble to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.

Calling an auto locksmith is the most affordable and easiest way to replace your car key. You can also request your key copied by an expert dealer, however they'll charge you more.

Year & Make a Car

Long gone are the days when a lost car key wasn't an issue. The keys of today's automobiles which are more sophisticated, are expensive to purchase. In fact in the event that you lose your fob or smart key it could cost you up to $350.

Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in miniature size with circuitry and a battery are connected to the vehicle. This is a complex procedure that requires specific tools and training.

There are many ways to save money on replacement car keys. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to purchasing, you can be more informed about how much to expect to spend on new keys.

One of the main factors that affect the price of your replacement car keys is the year and make of your car. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive process.

Keys that are older and without transponder chips will be much cheaper to replace. In addition you could save money on replacement car key car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing a new key online.

You should consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in case they go missing. These devices are attached to your keys and are easy to use via the smartphone app.

Remember that losing or misplacing keys to your car could cost you money. It is best to always have an extra. If you don't own a spare key, check with your dealer to find out if they offer a free replacement program. It could be a part of the vehicle warranty, replacement car key costs or as an extra roadside assistance feature. These programs may cover replacement car key costs up to $400 per year. They're worth the peace of mind they offer.

Technology Type

While car keys and remote fobs might appear to be simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. As such, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- which makes them costly to replace.

The type of key you have will also impact the amount it will cost to purchase an alternative. Key fobs that are standard are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price however they aren't as durable as newer models that come with an extra layer of security. These keys come with a specific head with a chip that communicates with the car's computer. A duplicate key won't work without the chip even having the same grooves and ridges as the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than traditional ones because they require two steps in cutting with lasers and programming the key to your vehicle.

In some instances, a locksmith will need to remove the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be performed by a locksmith who is trained. The process can be very time-consuming and expensive should they need to replace any other parts including the housing that houses the chip.

You'll need to take your car to a dealer in order to get an ignition key programmed. You will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration papers or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days for the dealer to purchase an additional key for your car and match it with your current one.

Genesky says he's able to cut keys and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who have the latest models of cars because there isn't the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. It's important to choose a local dealership or locksmith who can deal with any kind of vehicle and provides various services. Ultimately, this will aid you in saving money over the long term in the process of repairing and replacing lost or stolen car keys.

Where You Live

When you live can impact the price the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. Prices are higher in larger cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that a service provider will travel further to reach you, which results in greater cost.

The date and time of the loss could also impact the cost. If you lose your keys on a holiday or at night, it will add to the overall price. You could also be charged additional due to the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a service technician to arrive.

The type of key you have could also affect the cost. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others have transponder chips, keys fobs or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys using modern technology will be more expensive.

Some of these high-tech keys must be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can take up to an hour or more and is another reason why the cost will be higher than a standard key.

Older cars without transponder chips and standard keys are less expensive to purchase a new one. Standard key cutting typically requires a look at the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is right for the car.

Many of these key types require that they are paired with the car's computer in order to unlock the door and then start the engine. You can call the dealership from which you bought your car if you are unable find your keys. However, this is not always possible.

You might be able to file an insurance claim to replace a fob or key, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA may be able to assist you with this however they'll likely only provide a simple key and not the more advanced technology.

Security Features

It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk that all drivers are exposed to it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can budget for it.

The cost of replacing keys is affected by several factors. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is and the security features that are included in the keys. You should also consider whether you would like to make use of an emergency roadside service, like AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.

Traditional car keys made of metal that don't have a transponder chip in them are much less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and paired to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This could cost as much as $200 or more.

Many cars now come with keys that use radio frequency identification to communicate with your vehicle's computer. They are more difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. These keys can cost up to $500 or more.

You can also opt to add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it should you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores and they can be used with an app to track the location of your lost keys. While they can add to the overall cost of replacing e keys, they can also be an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.

In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major issue and put you out of money for a few days. Most of us today have more technology than we did in the past, so losing your keys is a major issue. But it doesn't have to be expensive to get back behind the wheel.