The Cost of a Replacement Car Key Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience. It is important to remember that a replacement key for your car may not cost as much as you think. The cost of purchasing a new car key is determined by several aspects, including the kind of replacement key you need and your location. Keys that are traditional are the most affordable, while the smart keys are more expensive. Cost of the parts The cost will vary depending on the type of key you need. Standard keys that have no transponder chips are available for copying between $50 and $110. If you require an electronic keyfob or a push-to-start vehicle that requires a second fob the costs will increase. The keys are costly to duplicate and replace, and are more difficult to steal. The cost will also be dependent on the year, make and model of vehicle you own. The latest models may have transponder chips which need to be paired with the car by a dealer or auto locksmith. This means that a replacement key will need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle and could cost up to $200. The cost of replacement keys is also affected by: Auto locksmiths are the cheapest option, but they don't have the tools needed to deal with more sophisticated key fobs or vehicles. You can try to copy the basic key yourself in a hardware shop, but the process is time-consuming and can be difficult if you do not have the right tools. You can also rely on roadside assistance to help you get a replacement key however, they'll likely take your vehicle to a dealership, and the process could take a few days to complete. If you have an old key fob, it's ideal to purchase laser-cut all in-one keys and program them by yourself. However, this is becoming more and more difficult as key fobs are often equipped with security features to prevent theft. Many companies offer software programs to make keys. However, they are only an option for customers with service contracts. Trying to bypass these restrictions could cause problems, as most locksmiths will not open cars that have been forced or tampered with. If you're able to use wire hangers or another method of opening the car it will signal red flags to insurance providers. Cost of Labor The kind of car key you require will determine how much it will cost to replace. For less than $10, a conventional double-edged key can be duplicated in a local hardware shop. To program and make more sophisticated keys, you will need special machines. This can add significantly to the cost of replacing keys for cars. You'll also require a new key fob if the vehicle is equipped with one to start and unlock it. The cost could range from $100 to $200, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Many modern vehicles have transponders in the keys that must be programmed and re-installed in order to work correctly. This is a cost that is hard to estimate before the key is lost and must be replaced. A specialized cutting machine is also required to create the new key replacement. These are expensive and aren't readily available to those who do not have an auto repair shop. The key housing needs to be replaced, which can increase the cost of a replacement key. Based on the type of car key you have, you may have to purchase additional replacement parts in addition to. For example, some key fobs come with features such as panic and remote lock/unlock buttons which can increase the overall costs. Additionally, car replacement key need a battery which can be expensive to replace. It is recommended to make an additional key prior to the time you lose your primary. This will ease the anxiety of losing your keys, and ensure you have a backup. If you do end up needing an additional key, look for a locksmith or car dealer equipped to work with your car. This will be less expensive than buying a new key from a dealer and you can avoid the fees that are high with this method. It is important to keep a record of your immobilizer code and key number in case you need to reprogramme your key. This information is normally found on your title or registration and is available to an auto dealer or locksmith for a fee. Cost of Equipment Modern vehicles come with key fobs that can lock, unlock and start the vehicle with just one button. These devices are useful, but they are expensive to replace if they become damaged or lost. However, locksmiths are able to save you money by replacing these kinds of keys, without the cost of replacing the device itself. There are a few aspects to take into consideration when it comes to the cost of replacing a car key. The Year, Make and Model of the vehicle There are a variety of car keys, ranging from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These key types are very distinct and are difficult to duplicate. This is especially true for modern car keys, that have transponders which need to be programmed to the vehicle. This procedure can be completed by a professional, however it is generally more expensive than a copy of the keys. The type of vehicle can influence the cost. Older cars and basic keys are more affordable to replace, but the most modern cars typically require a separate device to start the car, which could cost up to $500 to replace. The type of key and the location of the vehicle may affect the cost of a replacement car key. It could cost you more to tow your vehicle to the nearest dealership in case you lose your keys in an area unfamiliar. You can save this cost by keeping keys in a safe place in your home, like at work or office. It is also important to know that most times keys for new cars is programmed by the dealer. This is due to the fact that the majority of major dealers do not provide mobile key programming and only perform this service in their workshop. This could be a huge cost in the event of losing your only set of car keys, so it is recommended to take preventative measures and keep a spare set with you always. Cost of Replacement Keys Depending on the make and model of your car You may need to purchase replacement keys from an auto dealer or locksmith. Check your vehicle's key to determine if it is equipped with 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 inexpensive and can be duplicated in a local hardware shop for less than $25. It's best to have an extra in the event that you lose your original. Most modern cars come with a key fob which emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your vehicle. This can be a major hassle to replace in the event of it being lost, as you will need to contact the manufacturer of your car to request a replacement key and then pair it with your vehicle. The cost of an alternative key fob ranges between $50 and $125. In certain cases, you can have a key fob replaced at the dealership as long as you prove ownership by proving registration or title. However, the dealer might still charge an extra cost to cover the cost of travel and time spent on a remote location. Alternatively, you can buy an aftermarket key online, or even directly from the vehicle manufacturer. This is a cheaper option, but may be a bit more risky since the quality of the keys cannot be guaranteed. Don't 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 and lead to additional costs for a full repair or replacement. If you are able to locate your car keys, it may be worth the extra money to have them copied by an auto specialist instead of the dealership. This could save you lots of money, particularly if you have an extra key in your home.
car replacement key
