Cost of Replacement Car Keys

It’s a huge problem to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them can be a major expense.

The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also get your key cloned at an expert dealer, however they will charge you more.

Year & Make a Car

The days of having a lost car key was not a big issue are long gone. Modern cars are more sophisticated, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart key could cost you as much as $350.

This is because modern cars utilize electronic keys and fobs to unlock doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices that have circuitry, a battery and transponder chips all linked to your specific vehicle. This is a complicated procedure that requires specific tools and training.

There are many ways to save money on replacement keys for your car. By comparing prices for keys and features before you buy, you can be more informed about the price you can anticipate spending on new keys.

The year and model of your vehicle will have a major effect on the price of your new replacement keys. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips that need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and expensive process.

It will be cheaper to replace old cars and keys that do not contain transponder chips. You can also save money by purchasing online or utilizing a third party service to replace keys to your car.

You should consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event they are lost. These devices are attached directly to your keys, and can be used by using a smartphone app.

Keep in mind that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can be costly. It is best to always have an extra. If you don’t have an extra, it’s worth consulting your dealer to find out if they offer a free key replacement program as part of the warranty for your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs provide up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year and are worth it for the security they offer.

Technology Type

While keys to cars and remote controls might appear to be basic metal pieces, they’re actually electronic devices in miniature form. In this way, there’s a lot more to them than what’s apparent — which is why they’re expensive to replace.

The type of key that you have will also impact the cost of replacing it. Key fobs that are standard are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as the latest models that come with an extra layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates with the car’s computer. A duplicate key will not work without the chip even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. The keys are more expensive than the conventional ones due to the fact that they require two steps in laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle.

In some instances the locksmith might need to disassemble the transponder to set it up correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be performed by a locksmith who is trained. If they are required to replace other components such as the housing that holds chips, the process is time-consuming and expensive.

For the most current model cars, you’ll need to bring your car into an auto dealer to get an updated key programmed to your vehicle. This requires you to provide evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration papers. Additionally, you’ll need to wait a few days until the dealer can order the new key for your vehicle and then pair it with the existing one.

Genesky says that he’s able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for around $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who own the latest models of cars because they don’t have the costly equipment required to program their keys. This is why it’s important to find a locksmith in your area or dealer that provides an array of services and can accommodate any type of vehicle. This will save you money in the long run when it comes time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car.

Where You Live

The location of your home can impact the price the locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace a key. Prices are higher in large cities than in small towns or rural areas. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel further to get to your location, which means higher prices.

Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing your car keys is when and where you lose your keys. If you lose your keys during the night of a holiday or during the night it can add to the overall price. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician to arrive.

The kind of key you own can also impact the cost. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others include transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. Those keys which are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.

Some of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take up to an hour or more of time and is another reason why the cost is higher than for a basic key.

People who own older cars with standard keys that don’t include transponder chips, will usually pay less for an entirely new key. Standard key cutting typically requires a look at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the car.

Many of these key types require that they be paired with the car’s computer in order to unlock the door and then start the engine. If you’ve lost your keys and aren’t able to find them, you can call the dealership where you bought the car however that isn’t always an option.

You may be able to make a claim for a replacement car key fob fob or key, depending on your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA might also be able to help but they’ll only provide an entry level key and not the most advanced technology.

Security Features

The loss of your car keys can be a huge inconvenience, but it’s also an opportunity for someone to take your car. While this is a risk that every driver faces, it’s important to know the cost of replacing the car keys lost replacement keys so that you can budget for it.

The cost of replacement keys is affected by several factors. These include the year and model of your vehicle, how sophisticated the key technology is and the security features in the keys. You should also think about whether you’d prefer to use an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.

Traditional keys made of metal that don’t come with transponder chips are much cheaper to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. A newer smart key has to be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost as much as $200 or more.

Many cars now come with keys that use radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle’s computer. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. They can cost of a replacement car key as much as $500 or more.

You may also choose to add a tracker to your keychain to assist you to locate it in the event that you lose it. These tiny devices can be purchased at many hardware stores and can be utilized with an app that tracks the lost keys. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, but they are an affordable and practical option for most people.

In the past when you lost your keys to your car was a major issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for a short time. Nowadays, however, the majority of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did in their day, and misplacing your keys is an issue however, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune in order to get back behind the wheel.