Car Key Replacement CostReplacing your car key could be costly. In some cases, you can get the procedure covered by a key protection plan which is typically offered as an additional add-on or as part of your car insurance policy.
The cost of replacing your car keys varies dependent on the year the model, make and year of your vehicle. In this article, we will examine the factors that affect the
cost of replacement car keys.
The Make and Model of Your Vehicle
Losing your car keys is always an inconvenience however, it's even more so when you don't have an extra. This is because in most instances, you'll need to purchase a whole
new car key replacement set if you want to use your vehicle again. The cost of replacing a car key could vary greatly depending on the car. This is because modern vehicles come with a range of features, and these can make it more expensive to replace your keys. For instance, sports cars with high performance usually have special keys that can be expensive to duplicate.
Additionally the older mechanical keys are also more expensive to reproduce because they require knowledge from a dealer to operate. Therefore, it's essential to know your car's model and make before requesting a quote from a locksmith or automotive dealership. You will then be able to obtain a fair price estimate.
Another aspect that can affect the cost of replacing car keys is how complex your key system is. Modern keys, for instance have a circuit as well as a battery that makes them more difficult to replace than earlier car keys.
Some car owners go to the dealer to duplicate their vehicle keys, believing that it's cheaper. However, that's not necessarily true, since the dealership is likely to charge an extra fee for their services. This is because the dealership's primary goal is to earn profits from their customers.
You might want to think about hiring a third party company to replace your car keys if can't afford to replace them at the dealership. They might be able to give you a cheaper price than the dealer and have a staff that has more experience to help you replace your car keys.
In addition, it's important to avoid going to hardware stores or other third-party companies to get your car keys duplicated. These businesses lack the expertise to accurately duplicate your keys to your car. They are also more likely not to make a substandard replacement or tamper with the original key.
The Automotive Locksmith You Use
It's a hassle that no one would like to experience. It's a situation that usually happens at the worst possible time, like when you're running late to an important event or meeting. You can call an auto locksmith for a fast and affordable solution instead of going to an auto dealership if you need.
Car keys and FOBs are miniature electronic devices that contain circuitry and have a special transponder chip that has to be programmed in order for them to start the vehicle. In the past the chips were located in the cylinder for ignition however as technology advanced, these chips moved to the key fobs. This made the key fobs more secure and harder to duplicate however, it also increased the cost of replacements and repairs because the new key fobs required to be programmed by an automotive locksmith or the dealer in order to work.
Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths have adapted and learned how to work with these newer systems. They can program your
new car key replacement FOBs so they'll be compatible with your vehicle and remove old ones that aren't working. The cost of this service will vary according to the year model, make, and year of your vehicle.
The type of key you require will also impact the price. Most vehicles use two types of keys: a traditional metal fob that is not attached to the ignition or any other electrical component. The second is
remote car key replacement keys that lock and unlocks doors. The former is the easiest to replace since it does not require programming and can be cut by an auto locksmith using the blank.
The latter type of key is more costly to replace because it requires a special transponder chip to unlock the car. This is why it's important to choose an authorized locksmith for your vehicle when you require a new one for your vehicle. If you try to do it yourself, or make use of tools such as coat hangers, you may damage the lock and the key may not work.
The Kind of Key You Will Need
There are a variety of car keys. Some are mechanical and require insertion into the ignition cylinder while others include transponders and allow you to unlock doors or start the engine from a distance. The latter type of key is more expensive to replace, because it requires a professional to program it to your particular vehicle. Locksmiths have been able to adapt the new technology so that you don't need to visit a dealership to get these keys.
It's not fun to lose or steal your keys, but it's even more stressful when you're unable to start your vehicle and have no where to go. In the past, this wasn't a problem, as you could easily obtain a replacement key from any hardware store, or the dealership for your car. With the advancement of security measures and the ease with that a vehicle can be stolen by remote control and remote control, finding a solution not as easy.
You can search online for your keys or contact the dealer. However it's not always the case. Most dealers are able to make a replacement key for your car after you bring it in, and they'll charge you for that service. It's also worth checking if the cost of replacing the key is covered under your warranty, roadside assistance coverage or bumper-to-bumper insurance.
If you own a traditional mechanical key, it's relatively affordable to replace it if simply require an additional one. Most locksmiths for automotive can duplicate keys for less than $10. However older models that don't have transponder chips can cost some more.
The most expensive method of obtaining replacing your car key is to visit the dealership. This is the best option if you have the original key to show them, but otherwise, it's probably not worth the hassle, particularly when your insurance company will cover the cost. If you decide to go this option, be sure to compare prices between dealerships and third-party key specialists.
The Location
Car keys are small electronic devices that are equipped with circuitry and battery power. They also have transmitters that send an encoded code to start the car and unlock the doors. This means that they can be very expensive to replace if you have them stolen or damaged. The cost of a key itself is not that expensive but the effort to cut and program the new one for your particular vehicle is what really adds up. The cost of these keys can vary greatly depending on the kind and complexity of the key and also the locksmith or dealer you select to cut it.
The place you live in can affect how much it will cost to get an alternative car key. If you live in rural areas, there could be fewer locksmiths at the auto shop to assist you. This could mean that you'll need to pay more for their services, because they'll have to travel longer distances to get to you. If you are in Chicago there are many options for automotive locksmiths. You can choose one that offers a reasonable price.
In some cases, it is possible to save money on a replacement for your car key by replacing the battery in your car key fob. Most drivers can do this if following the owner's manual of their vehicle. Some companies that sell car keys will even do this at no cost, but it's a good idea to confirm the warranty on your car before you do this.
If you lose the car key and you don't have an extra option, the best thing you can do is go to the nearest dealership and get the replacement key that is compatible with your car. This is the most expensive option, however, it's also the most reliable. If you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by providing them a copy of your registration or title, they will be able to generate your new key immediately.