Cost of Replacement Car Keys

The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle. And, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.

A call to an auto locksmith is the cheapest and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also have your key cloned by specialist dealers, but they usually upcharge.

Year & Make a Vehicle

The days when a lost car key was not a major problem are long gone. Modern cars are more sophisticated, and that means keys are more expensive to replace. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.

Modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs, which are electronic devices in miniature size with a battery and circuitry, are paired with the vehicle. This is a complicated process that requires specialized tools and training.

There are ways to save money on replacement key fob for car keys for your vehicle. Comparing key prices and features can help you to get a better idea of how much you'll have to pay for new keys.

The year and the make of your car will have a major effect on the cost of the new keys you purchase. Many newer cars have transponder chips that need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly procedure.

Keys for older cars and vehicles with no transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. You can save money by purchasing online or using a third-party service to replace your car keys.

You might also consider purchasing an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that can aid you in finding your car keys if they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys, and are easily accessible with a smartphone application.

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

Technology Type

While remote fobs and car keys might appear like basic pieces of metal, they're actually miniscule electronic devices. Therefore, there's a lot more to them than what's apparent -- and this makes them expensive to replace.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost of a replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated relatively cheaply however they aren't as durable as modern models that come with an extra layer of security. They have a unique key head that has a small chip that communicates with the car's computer to ensure the authenticity of the key. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work, even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. Keys with chips are more expensive than conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps in laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.

In certain situations a locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be carried out by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be long and costly when they need to replace any other part, including the housing that houses the chip.

For the most recent model automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle to the dealership to have a new key programmed to your vehicle. You will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as the registration papers or title documents. You'll also need to wait for the dealer to make an order and match a new key to your current key.

Genesky says he is able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. Genesky is forced to turn away customers who own the latest models of cars because he does not have the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. This is why it's important to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that can provide a wide range of services and can accommodate any kind of vehicle. This will save you money on the long-term when it comes time to replace or repair your 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 those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider has to travel further to reach you, which results in higher prices.

The date and time of the loss can also affect the cost. If you lose your keys during a holiday or at night this will increase the total cost. You might also be charged due to the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a service technician to arrive.

The type of key you have will also affect the price. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others have transponder chips, keys fobs, or smart keys. Keys that are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.

Certain of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could take an hour or more of time and is another reason why the cost will be higher than a standard key.

Older vehicles without transponder chips or standard keys are less expensive to purchase a new key. Standard key cutting typically only requires reading the cuts on the car's ignition or using a VIN number to determine the correct key for the vehicle.

Most keys require that they are connected to the computer in the vehicle for unlocking the doors and start the engines. If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, you could contact the dealership you bought your car from, but that is not always an option.

You may be able make an insurance claim to replace a fob or Electronic car Key replacement key, based on your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA could be able help with this as well however they'll likely only give a simple key, not the more sophisticated technology.

Security Features

It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives someone the opportunity to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk all drivers face, it's important to know the cost of replacing the car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.

The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors. The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors, including the year and model of your vehicle as well as the technology used in the key, as well as the security features. You should also consider whether you'd prefer to make use of an emergency roadside assistance program, like AAA. This can increase the cost of replacing the key you lost.

Traditional metal car keys that don't come with a transponder chip in them are a lot less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. It could cost you $200 or more.

Key fobs are now available in many vehicles that connect to the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are harder to duplicate and are designed to stop theft. The cost to replace these types of keys could be as high as $500 or more.

You could also decide to add a tracker to your keychain in order to help locate it should you lose it. These are usually small devices that are available from most hardware stores, and they can be used in conjunction with an app to track the location of your lost key. They can increase the cost of replacing Electronic car key replacement keys, however, they are a reasonable and effective option for most people.

In the past, losing your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and put you out of money for a few days. Nowadays, however, the majority of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did in their day, and misplacing your keys is an issue but it doesn't need to break the bank to get back behind the wheel.