Car Key Replacement Cost
Replacing your car key is costly. In certain instances you can have the procedure covered by a key protection insurance, which is often available as an extra add-on or as part of your insurance policy.
The cost to replace the keys to your car depends on the model, year and make of your vehicle. In this article we will look at the factors that affect the cost of replacing car keys.
The Make and Model of Your Vehicle
Losing your car keys is always an issue however, it's even more so when you don't have a spare. In the majority of cases, when you plan to return to driving your car you'll require a new set of keys. The cost of replacing a car key can differ greatly based on the type of vehicle. This is because modern vehicles come with a variety of options, and these features can increase the cost to replace your keys. For example sports cars with high performance often have specialized keys which can be costly to duplicate.
It is also more expensive to duplicate older mechanical keys because they require the knowledge of a dealer. It's important that you know the make and model of your car before requesting for a quote from an auto dealership or locksmith. You will then be able to get an estimate of the cost.
The complexity of your key system can affect the cost. For instance, modern key fobs contain a battery and circuitry that makes them more difficult to replace than keys that were made in the past.
Some car owners choose to visit a dealership to get their car keys duplicated because they think it's cheaper and quicker. However, that's not always true, since the dealership is likely to charge a premium for their services. This is because the dealerships' principal goal is to make profits from their customers.
If automotive car key replacement to have your car key replaced at the dealership, it may be worth enlisting an outside company to complete the task for you. They may be able to provide you with a better cost than the dealership and they will probably have a more knowledgeable team to assist you with any key replacement requirements.
In addition, it's important to avoid visiting hardware stores or other third-party companies to have duplicate keys for your car. These companies aren't likely to have the experience required to accurately copy your keys to your car, and they are also more likely to tamper with the original key or create an inferior replacement.
The Automotive Locksmith You Use
It's a pain that nobody wants. This scenario could occur at the most inconvenient timing, for instance when you are in a hurry to attend an important event or meeting. You can contact an auto locksmith for an immediate and affordable solution, instead of rushing to a dealership if you want.
Car keys and FOBs are miniature electronic devices that contain circuitry as well as a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for them to be able to start the car. In the past the chips were placed inside the cylinder of ignition however as technology advanced, these chips moved to the key fobs. This made the key fobs more secure and difficult to duplicate, but it also increased the costs of repairs and replacements because the new key fobs required to be programmed by an automotive locksmith or dealer in order to function.
Fortunately, many locksmiths in the automotive industry have adapted and are able to deal with these modern systems. They can program new FOBs that work with your vehicle, or replace old ones if they don't work. The cost of this service can vary according to the year model, make, and year of your vehicle.
The type of key that you require will also impact the price. The majority of cars use two types of keys: a traditional metal fob that is not attached to the ignition or any other electrical component, and remote keys that lock and unlocks the doors. The latter is the simplest to replace, as it doesn't require programming and can be cut by an auto locksmith using a blank.
It's more costly to replace the transponder key since it is needed to unlock the car. This is the reason it's crucial to use an accredited locksmith for your car in the event that you require an alternative key for your vehicle. If you try to do it yourself or employ tools like coat hangers, you may cause damage to the lock and the key may not work.
What type of key do you require?
There are many different types of keys for cars. Some are mechanical and just require insertion into the ignition cylinder while others contain transponders that can unlock doors or start the engine from a distance. The cost of replacing the latter type is higher since it must be programmed by a professional for your vehicle. Locksmiths have adapted to the new technology, so you don't have to go to the dealership to get one of these keys.
Having your keys stolen or lost isn't fun, but the situation becomes much more stressful when you find yourself without a way to start your car and have no place 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. However, with the advent of advanced security features and the possibility of stealing a car via remote control, it's no longer so easy to find solutions.
You can track your keys by searching online groups or contacting the dealer but that's not always a viable alternative. The majority of dealers are capable of making a replacement key for your vehicle once you bring it in and they'll charge you for this service. It is also important to determine if your warranty roadside service or bumper to bumper insurance covers the cost of the replacement key.
If you have a conventional mechanical key, it's relatively cheap to replace if you simply require an additional one. Most automotive locksmiths can duplicate keys for less than $10. However older models with no transponder chips might cost a bit more.
The dealership is the most expensive way to purchase a new vehicle key. If you have your original key it's the best alternative. Otherwise, it's not worth the hassle, especially when the cost is covered by your insurance. If you decide to go this route, make sure you shop around for quotes and compare them between the key specialists and dealers.
The Location
Car keys are small electronic devices that are equipped with batteries and circuitry. They also come with a transmitter which sends a code to the car to unlock its doors and then start the engine. They are expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or break them. The cost of the key itself is not very much but the effort to cut and program the new key to your specific vehicle is what can add up. The cost of these keys can vary greatly depending on the kind and degree of complexity of the key and also the locksmith or dealer you choose to use.
The location of your home can also affect the cost of a new car key. If you live in rural areas, there could be fewer locksmiths in the automotive industry to assist you. This means that you'll need to pay more for their services, since they'll need to travel longer distances to get to you. If you reside in Chicago there are many options of locksmiths for automobiles. You can choose a locksmith that offers a reasonable price.
In some instances, you can save money by replacing the battery in your car key fob. Most people can do this if they adhere to the owner's manual of their vehicle. Some car key companies will do this for free. However, it's best to check the warranty of your car prior to doing this.
If you've lost the car key and you don't have an extra option, the best thing you can do is to go to an auto dealer in your area and purchase an alternative that matches your vehicle. This is the most expensive option however, it's also the most reliable. You can make keys on the spot when you show them your registration or your title.