How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost?
It is frustrating and costly to lose your car keys. The cost to replace keys varies based on where you are and what type of key you've made.
Locksmiths can typically duplicate traditional keys for less than $10. However, a lot of newer vehicles use transponder chip technology that need to be programmed by the dealership. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are more expensive and require an excursion to the dealer.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
Losing your car keys can be a stressful and frustrating experience. If you have a spare car key and you are aware of what type of key you lost, it may be more straightforward to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith can likely duplicate it quickly and easily. However, more sophisticated types of keys require specialized knowledge to be copied. They also have to be reprogrammed, so you'll be required to visit a dealer to purchase a new one.
The type of lost key will also determine the cost of replacing it. For instance, traditional mechanical keys that insert into the ignition cylinder will cost less replace than a key fob, that has a transponder that needs to be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob if it's equipped with a switchblade or other particular features.
If you decide to replace your key with the help of a professional or DIY could have an impact on your car key replacement costs as well. Professionals are more expensive than DIY methods but will save you time and frustration. They also have the most knowledge of your specific model of car.
While getting automotive key replacement replaced is costly but it's worth it in the long term. You should familiarize yourself with all the elements that affect the cost of your car key replacement to be able to plan ahead.
Find an auto-locksmith in your area to receive an estimate of the cost of your car key. They can provide you with a quote based on the particular car model and the make. They will also have the equipment needed to complete the task. Another option is to call roadside assistance, however it can be more expensive. You should also note that your insurance provider may include this service in your policy. It's not a guarantee, however, that they will offer the services you require.
Dealerships
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or losing keys was not a huge issue. It was easy to get your vehicle towed by roadside assistance, obtain an alternative key and be back on road in no time. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have the keys. This means they are more expensive to replace.
Avoiding the dealership is the best way to cut down on expenses, unless you need a new key remote, key fob or transponder key. Find an independent car locksmith or shop for replacement keys that can provide OEM or 3rd-party keys for a fraction of the price. Many of these shops offer an online search tool to aid you in finding a shop near you.
It is also worth looking for a location to cut and program standard keys, as they are typically less expensive than dealerships. The drawback is that they might not have the type of key you need in stock and may have to purchase it for you. If they have the key, you can expect to pay between $200 and $350.
Some dealers offer in-house service for replacing keys to cars and other lockout problems, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith service or an independent service. This is particularly true for the more popular brands of car like Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Chrysler. The key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complex for these manufacturers.
If you do end up at a dealer, make sure you inquire if there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may aid in reducing your bill. You might be able to get an emergency locksmith to your location who can unlock your vehicle right there and create a new key. This is a great option if you aren't able to wait for days for the dealership to purchase the key and install it. In addition, you may be saving up to 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the service center of the dealership.
Independent Locksmiths
The loss of your car keys is not only stressful, but can also be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the most cost-effective method of replacing keys lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and don't have as much overhead costs.
If you already have a working key the cost of a new key will vary. If you already have a key, the cost will be much lower since it can be copied from that key without the need to be programmed. Older mechanical keys without a transponder can be copied for less than $10.
Modern electronic key fobs, on the other hand, are more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to integrate with the system of your vehicle. The process can differ based on the make and model of your car. It could be as simple or as complicated as entering a number or using decryptors.
Lastly, it is important to note that the location of your vehicle can also impact the cost of acquiring a new key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, getting the car key replaced could be more expensive as there isn't anyone close to help with the process. The majority of people in this scenario rely on roadside help, but it can be expensive and only cover a fraction of the cost.
One thing that can be helpful to remember when calculating the cost of replacing your keys is that a lot of locksmiths will offer discounts on their services for first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. They do this to encourage their business to expand and rely more on word-of mouth marketing than expensive advertisements.
A final suggestion is to always keep an extra key in case of loss, as this will not only keep you from the stress of dealing with lost car keys and be much cheaper than trying to replace lost keys at the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost of replacing your car key, contact your insurance provider and ask for more information. While they usually do not cover lost car keys, some of them provide it as a premium extra.
Replacement Keys
There are a myriad of aspects that could affect the cost of the new key for your vehicle, whether you've lost yours or need to replace one. The first thing you need to do is write down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) which will aid you in determining where you'll need to go to get a new key. The VIN number is on the driver's dashboard or in the owner's manual.
You might need go to a dealer to obtain a new key if yours contains an electronic transponder. These chips communicate with the vehicle to start it, so they must be programmed to work. This is done with special machines that are generally only available at the dealership and can cost upwards of $200 for a replacement key and fob.
If your car is equipped with a traditional key with no transponder chips it is likely to find a locksmith who can duplicate it for a much cheaper price. Depending on the kind of key, it could be as low as $10 or even $150 for a whole set of keys replacement.
Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds into fobs, is typically more expensive than any other kind of key because it requires more effort to produce. Smart keys, which make use of the proximity sensor to open the car door, are a different costly option. It is difficult to reprogram and will cost the most for a replacement key.
You can locate a local auto-locksmith who is familiar with the model that you drive if want to go to a dealership. They are more likely to be able give you a lower quote and be more reliable than dealerships. Some provide mobile services, where they'll visit your office or home to cut keys and program them for you.