What You Need to Know About Key Car Replacement

Losing your car key can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Luckily, there are several alternatives for key car replacement to assist you in getting back on the road.

You can also go to the dealer. This is the most expensive option however, you will receive a working fob and key.

What's the cost?

The cost of replacing the key in your car varies depending on the year and make of your car. Certain newer models have transponder chips in the keys that must be paired with the vehicle by a dealership or auto locksmith before they operate, and this may make a difference in the total cost of replacement. The type of key is also a factor in the price. Keys that are older mechanical models are cheap to replace, but more advanced smart keys might need to be changed.

When determining the cost the first thing you should take into consideration is the kind of key. Mechanical keys are easy to replace by a locksmith within your neighborhood for less than $50. If you've got an advanced key that has a transponder, or key fob to unlock and start your vehicle it will cost significantly higher. The transponder must be linked up with the key fob, which is a special equipment only available from an auto locksmith or dealership.

Key fobs can be used as remotes that use electronic technology to open doors and start vehicles. Some key fobs feature an LCD that displays the condition of your car. These can be a little more expensive than a conventional key, with some costing up to $500.

If you lose your keys, you'll need to get it tow away to the dealer, and provide evidence of ownership documents. They will then be able to issue you a replacement key and electronically pair it with your vehicle. This can take some time to complete, which could add to your overall costs.

If your car warranty is in force, you must be sure to read the conditions and terms to determine what coverage you are entitled to for lost keys or fobs. Some companies offer a breakdown cover plan that comes with a key replacement insurance. This will help you pay for the cost of replacing or reprogramming your car key fob. In the end it is one of the best ways to save money on these unexpected costs.

What's the Process?

The specifics of the key car replacement process will depend on the specific model of car. If you have an electronic key that is placed inside the lock and then turned, the process for key cutters or locksmiths is fairly simple. Modern keys come with more security and convenience features, which could make them more difficult to replace.

Certain key fobs are different from traditional keys made of metal that they require a distinct key to open the doors and start the engine. These are typically more difficult to duplicate, and may need to be programmed by a professional, which can add to the cost.

Thankfully, the most common method to obtain a cheap key car replacement is by going to your local auto locksmith. They'll have all of the equipment needed for this service and key car replacement will usually get you to your destination in just a few minutes. Additionally, roadside assistance services can help with this, but they're typically more expensive.

You can also purchase a replacement car key at a low cost through your insurance provider. Check the terms and conditions of your insurance provider before making a decision about this service.

The process is relatively easy if you own an older model that has an iron key. Locksmiths or key cutters can duplicate the original key with ease. If, however, your vehicle has a transponder chip inside the key, you'll need bring it in to the dealership for a replacement.

The dealer will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and a copy of your driver's license to purchase an additional key for your car. After they receive the key, they'll need to program it to work with your vehicle. The keyless entry remote needs to also be reprogrammed. This could be a long process depending on how complicated your vehicle's antitheft system. Check to see if this service is covered under your warranty or insurance.

What is the timeframe?

If you lose a key and have a spare, you'll be able get it replaced as soon as you can. But what happens if you don't have the original key or spare? In this situation you'll need seek out a dealer or locksmith.

The dealer will provide you with a new key and a programed fob. The process may take a few weeks. It depends on your car's make and model and the type of key that you own.

A locksmith or hardware shop can duplicate keys for mechanical ones that are older. The original key, as well as evidence of ownership, such as your car key cover replacement's registration or title will be required.

If you own a newer vehicle that has a key fob, you'll have go to the dealer to have it replaced. The dealership will have the tools required to complete this task including laser cutting and key car replacement programming equipment. The dealership will also be able to make use of the vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to determine which type of key your car uses.

A warranty or other type of coverage may cover your key fob. Check your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership or roadside assistance insurance to see if this is the case.

The Cost of the Replacement Key

If your key has been used so often that it's showing signs of wear and tear, it may be time to replace it. This could be visible rust or scratches or even a sticky key that's hard to turn.

If your key stops working at any point, it could be an indication that it's been compromised by criminals. If this happens you must replace the key as fast as possible to stop your car from being taken. It could be the case that the cylinder has been damaged and will need to be replaced by a professional. In this case, you will likely have to pay more for a dealer-level key that is compatible with your vehicle's model.

What's the alternative?

There are several alternatives to key car replacement but some are more expensive. A locksmith, for example is more expensive than a dealership but will help you get back on roads faster.

You could also call your local garage, but it will be more expensive. The garage may not have the specialist key coding equipment that an auto locksmith carries, so they will need to obtain it from a specialist.

Some companies, such as AutoZone offer car key replacement services however they'll use generic keys that don't correspond to the original keys. If you're considering this method, make sure that you have the VIN number of your mobile car key replacement so that they can identify precisely what kind of key you require.

You can also call an emergency roadside service to take your vehicle to a dealership to get the replacement keys. It may take some time for them to obtain the key you need. You could also file claims through your car insurance company. However, this can be more expensive and you might only be able to claim the cover for a specific number of times.

The best method to obtain a new car key is to contact an auto locksmith as fast as possible. They'll have the specialist key coding equipment to replace your fob and can usually do it for much less than the dealer. They can also complete the job quicker which is ideal for those in need of help in a hurry. The other alternative is to call an emergency roadside assistance service, but this can be expensive and you may have to wait a while before they can send someone to you.