The Cost of a Replacement Car Key Losing your car keys could be a very frustrating experience. But it's important to remember that a replacement key may not be as costly as you think. The cost of a new car key is determined by various factors including the type of replacement key you require and your location. Traditional keys are the cheapest, while smart keys are the most expensive. Cost of parts Depending on the kind of key you require, the cost can differ. Standard keys without transponder chips are priced from $50 to $110. The price increases when you require a key fob equipped with a transponder chip or a push-to-start vehicle that requires an extra fob to activate the car. Keys with transponder chips are expensive to duplicate and replace, and harder to steal. The year, make and model of your vehicle will also impact the cost. The transponder chip that is used in newer vehicles will need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that a spare key will have to be programmed to work with the car. This could cost up to $200. Other factors that impact the cost of replacement keys are: Auto locksmiths may be the cheapest however they do not have the equipment needed to handle complex key fobs or vehicles. You can attempt to duplicate the basic key yourself at a hardware store however, the process takes a long time and can be difficult when you don't have the right tools. You can also use roadside assistance to help you obtain a new key, but they will likely tow your car to a dealership, and the process could take several days to complete. If you have an older key fob, it's recommended to purchase laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them by yourself. This is becoming more difficult, as many key fobs are equipped with security features that prevent theft. Many companies offer software programs to make keys. However, these are only available as an option for customers with service contracts. Most locksmiths will not open cars that have had their locks forced or altered. Insurance companies will be alerted when you use wire hangers to open your vehicle. Cost of Labor The type of car key that you require will determine the amount it will cost to replace. A standard double-edged car key is usually duplicated at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, more sophisticated keys require special machines to make and program. This can significantly increase the cost of replacing your car keys. If car keys replacement has a key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll have to install a new fob in addition. It could cost up to $200, based on the model and brand of your vehicle. Furthermore, many of the newer models also include a transponder in the key that needs to be replaced and programmed to work correctly. This is an additional cost that is hard to estimate until the key is actually lost and must be replaced. A cutting machine that is specialized is also required to make the new replacement key. They are costly and aren't readily available to people who do not have an auto repair shop. The key housing must also be replaced, which may increase the cost of a replacement key. Depending on the type of car key you have, you might need to purchase other replacement parts as well. For instance, some key fobs have features such as panic and remote lock/unlock buttons that can add to the overall cost. Certain key fobs also require batteries, which can be expensive to replace. It is recommended to create an extra car key before you lose the one you have. This will help you avoid the anxiety of losing your keys, and also ensure that you have an extra. If you need a new car key, find a locksmith or dealer that has the right equipment to repair your vehicle. This will be less expensive than buying a new key from the dealership and should enable you to avoid the high cost associated with those alternatives. If you have an ignition key that requires programming, it's essential to have a record of the immobilizer code, or the key number in case you want to get it reprogrammed in the future. This information can be found on your registration or title, or on other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer will charge a fee to supply this information. Cost of Equipment Modern automobiles have key fobs which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle with just the button. These devices are extremely convenient, but they can also be costly to replace if they are lost or broken. Fortunately, locksmiths can save you money by replacing these types of keys without the added cost of replacing the device itself. However, there are several things to consider when determining the cost of a replacement car key. The year, the make and model of the vehicle. There are many types of keys for cars, from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These key types are very distinct and are difficult to duplicate. This is especially true for modern car key transponders that must be programmed into the vehicle. This can be accomplished by a professional, but will cost more than a standard key copy. Another factor that can affect the cost of replacing a car key is the type of car. Older cars and basic keys are cheaper to replace, however the most advanced cars will typically require a special device to start the car, which can cost as much as $500 to replace. The type of key and the location of the car may also affect the cost of a new key. If you lose your keys in an unfamiliar area, you may be charged more to take your vehicle to the nearest dealer to have a new key programmed. This cost is avoided by keeping a spare key in a secure place like at home or at work. It is important to remember that keys that are new will likely to require programming by the dealer. This is due to the fact that most major dealers don't have mobile key programming facilities and are able to do this in their workshop. This could be a huge cost in the event of losing your car's only set of keys, which is why it's recommended to be proactive and keep a spare set with you always. Cost of replacement keys Depending on the make and model of your car depending on the make and model of your car, you may have to purchase replacement keys from an auto dealer or locksmith. Check the key of your car to see if it has an electronic transponder or smart key chip. These technologies could increase the cost of your car key replacement. A traditional car that does not have a keyfob can be affordable and can be duplicated at an area hardware store for less than $25. It's always a good idea to have a backup just in case you lose the original. Most recent cars come with an ignition key that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your car. It's a hassle to replace if you lose it, as you'll need to contact the manufacturer for the new one and connect it with your car. The cost of a typical key fob replacement can range between $50 and $150. In certain instances, you can replace a keyfob at a dealer if you provide evidence of ownership, like an official registration or a title. However, the dealer could still charge an extra cost to cover travel costs and time spent on an unreachable location. Alternatively, you can buy an aftermarket key online, or even directly from the manufacturer. This is a cheaper option however it's more risky due to the fact that the quality of the keys cannot be assured. Do not attempt to break into your car using wire hangers or force. This could set off alarms and make it more difficult for a locksmith to open the door. This could also damage the lock, which could result in cost-plus charges for a full repair or replacement. If you are able to locate your car keys it may be worth the extra cost to have them copied by an auto specialist instead of at the dealership. This can save you lots of money, especially if you have a spare key at home.
car keys replacement
