Cost of Replacement Car Keys

It's a huge hassle to lose your car keys. And, the cost of replacing them could be a significant expense.

The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also request your key copied by a specialist dealer, but they'll charge you more.

Year & Make a Car

The days are long gone when a simple lost car key wasn't important. Today's cars are more advanced and, as a result, keys are more expensive to replace. In fact in the event that you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.

Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and begin the engine. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices with circuitry, a battery and transponder chips that are all paired with your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and knowledge to master.

There are many ways to save money on new car keys. Comparing key prices and features can help you to get a better idea of how much you'll have to spend on new keys.

The year and model of your car will have a major effect on the price of your new replacement keys. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive process.

It will be cheaper to replace older cars and keys that don't have transponder chips. In addition, you can often save money on new car keys by using a third-party service or buying your new key on the internet.

You might also consider purchasing an portable GPS device such as Tile or AirTag which can aid you in finding your car keys if they are lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are easy to use with an app for smartphones.

Keep in mind that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could be expensive. It is recommended to always have an extra. If you don't have a spare, it's worth consulting your dealer to see if they have an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of your vehicle's warranty or roadside assistance add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs cover up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year, and are well worth it for the peace of mind they provide.

Technology Type

Although keys for cars and remotes might appear to be basic metal objects, they're actually tiny electronic devices. As a result, they're more complex than they appear. This means they're expensive to replace.

The type of key that you own will also affect the cost of replacement. Standard key fobs are relatively inexpensive to duplicate, but they're not as robust as the modern ones that come with an additional layer of security. They come with a specific key head that has a tiny chip inside that communicates with the car's computer to verify that the key is legitimate. A duplicate key won't function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same grooves and ridges as the original. These are much more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.

In certain situations the locksmith may have to disassemble the transponder to set it up correctly. This is a risky job that should only be performed by a specialized locksmith. The process can be time-consuming and expensive should they need to replace any other part including the housing that houses the chip.

You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer to get the key programmed. This requires you to provide proof of ownership, such as your registration or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days until the dealer can order an additional key for your car and match it with the existing one.

Genesky claims that he is able to cut keys and programming for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who own the latest models of cars as there isn't the expensive equipment needed to program their keys. This is why it's important to locate a local locksmith or dealership that offers many services and can work with any type of vehicle. This will ultimately save you money in the end when it comes to repairing and replacing your keys that were stolen or lost from your vehicle.

Where You Live

When you live can impact the price a locksmith or car dealer charges for key replacement. If you reside in a major city the costs are likely to be higher than if you lived in rural or a small town region. This is because the service provider has to travel farther to get to you, which results in higher prices.

The date and time of the loss may be a factor in the price. The cost of a replacement key is higher if you lose them on a holiday, or during the night. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician.

The type of key you have will also affect the price. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others have a transponder chip, key fob, or smart key. Keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.

Some of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. It could take up to an hour or longer and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech lock will cost more than a standard one.

People who own older cars with standard keys that do not contain transponder chips typically pay less for an entirely new key. Standard key cutting typically requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the vehicle.

A lot of keys require that they are connected to the computer in the vehicle in order to unlock the doors and start the engines. It is possible to contact the dealership from which you bought your vehicle if you are not able to locate your keys. However it isn't always the case.

You may be able make an insurance claim for a replacement key or fob, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Companies offering roadside assistance such as AAA might also be able to help, but they will likely only offer an entry level key and not the most advanced technology.

Security Features

It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys and also give thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a risk that all drivers face it's crucial to know the cost of replacing your car keys to be able to budget for it.

There are many factors that impact the price of keys replacement. The cost of replacement keys is influenced by a variety of factors, including the year and model of your car and the technology utilized in the key, and security features. It's also important to decide whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA, which can increase the cost of a replacement car key of replacing a lost key.

It is much less expensive to replace the traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. They can typically be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart key must be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This can cost as much as $200 or more.

Key fobs are available in a variety of cars that connect to the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are much harder to copy, and they are designed to prevent theft. These keys can cost as much as $500 or more.

You may also choose to have a tracker added to your keychain to help locate it in the event that you lose it. These are typically small devices that can be purchased from most hardware stores, and they can be used with an app to monitor the whereabouts of your lost key. While they may add to the cost of replacing keys, they are an affordable and effective solution for the majority of people.

In the past, losing your car keys could be a major hassle and could have cost you money for a few days. Nowadays, however of us have more technology than our grandparents did in their time, and losing your keys is an issue, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune in order to get back on the road.