The Cost of a Replacement Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a frustrating experience. It's important to keep in mind that a replacement key might not be as expensive as you think.
The cost of a new car key is determined by a variety of factors including the type of replacement key you require and the location of your home. Keys that are traditional are the least costly while the smart keys are more expensive.
Cost of Parts
Depending on the type of key you need the price can depend on the type of key you require, the cost can vary. Keys that are standard and do not have transponder chips are available for $50 to $110. If you need a keyfob with a chip or a push-to-start vehicle that requires a second fob the price will increase. Keys with these types of features can be costly to duplicate or replace and are more difficult for thieves to break into.
The year and make of your car will also impact the price. The transponder chip in newer vehicles will need to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that a spare key will have to be programmed to work with the car. This could cost as much as $200. The cost of replacing keys is also affected by:
Auto locksmiths are the least expensive alternative, however they don't have the equipment needed to handle more sophisticated key fobs or vehicles. If you don't have the appropriate tools, it may be difficult to duplicate the basic key from a hardware shop. You can also seek roadside assistance to help you get a replacement key however, they'll likely take your vehicle to a dealership and the process could take days to complete.
If you have an older key fob, it is best to buy laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them yourself. But this is becoming more difficult as many key fobs have security features that prevent theft. Numerous companies offer software to make keys. However, they are only a service to customers who have service contracts. Most locksmiths will not open vehicles that have had their locks forced or tampered. Insurance companies will be notified in the event that you make use of wire hangers to open your vehicle.
Cost of Labor
The cost of replacing the car key will vary on the type of key you require. A standard double-edged car key can be duplicated at your local hardware store for less than $10. To program and make more sophisticated keys, you'll need special equipment. This can increase the cost of replacing a car key.
If your vehicle has the key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll need have a new fob installed as well. It could cost up to $200, based on the model and make of your vehicle. Many modern vehicles have transponders inside the key which must be programmed and re-installed in order to function correctly. This is an additional cost that is difficult to estimate until the key is lost and requires to be replaced.
A cutting machine that is specialized is also required to make the new replacement key. These can be expensive to purchase and not accessible to people who don't have access to a mechanic's workshop. The key housing needs to be replaced, which may 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 instance, some key fobs include features such as panic buttons and remote lock/unlock that can add to total cost. Furthermore, certain key fobs require a battery that can be quite pricey to replace.
It is advisable to make a spare car key prior to the time you lose the original one. This will reduce the anxiety that comes with losing your keys and ensure that you always have a functioning backup. If you need a new car key, find an authorized locksmith or dealer who has the appropriate equipment to work on your vehicle. This will be cheaper than purchasing a new one from the dealership and should allow you to avoid the high fees associated with those options.
If you have keys that require programming, you must keep a record of the immobilizer code or the key number in case you need to be able to reprogramme it later. automotive key replacement g28carkeys.co.uk is typically found on your title or registration and can be provided to an auto dealer or locksmith for a fee.
Cost of Equipment
Modern cars have key fobs which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle by simply pressing one button. These devices are extremely convenient, but they can be costly to replace if they are lost or broken. However, locksmiths are able to save you money by replacing these types of keys without the added cost of replacing the device itself. There are a variety of factors to take into account when determining the price of a new car key.
The Year, Make & Model of the Vehicle
There are a variety of keys for cars, ranging starting with basic laser cut keys to switchblade keys. These keys are distinct, and they can be difficult to duplicate. This is particularly true for modern car key transponders that must be programmed into the vehicle. This process can be done by a professional, however it generally costs more than a simple key copy.
Another aspect that could affect the cost of a replacement car key is the model of car. Older cars and basic keys are less expensive to replace, but the most sophisticated cars will typically require a separate device to start the car, which could cost as much as $500 to replace.
The type of key as well as the location of the car could also affect the cost of a new key. It could cost you more to tow your car to the nearest dealer if you lose your keys in an area unfamiliar. You can save this cost by keeping keys in a safe place like your home or office.
It is important to note that keys that are new will likely to require programming by the dealer. This is because most main dealers don't offer mobile key programming facilities and can only do it in their workshop. This can be a big expense in the case of losing your car's only set of keys, so it is recommended to take preventative measures and keep a spare with you at all times.
Cost of Key Replacement
Based on the brand and model of your vehicle depending on the make and model of your car, you may have to purchase replacement keys from a dealer or an automotive locksmith. Check the key of your car to determine if it's a transponder or smart key chip. These technologies can increase the cost of your car key replacement.
A traditional car key without a key fob is relatively affordable and can be duplicated at the local hardware store for under $25. It's a good idea keep a backup in the event that you lose your original.
Most recent cars come with the key fob that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your car. This can be a huge problem to replace in the event of it being lost, as you will need to contact the car manufacturer for a new key and have it paired with your vehicle. The cost of an alternative key fob ranges between $50 and $125.
In some cases you can get a key fob replaced at the dealership as long as you can prove ownership by proving registration or title. However, the dealer may still charge an extra fee for the service to cover the cost of travel and time spent in an unreachable location. You can also purchase an aftermarket car key online or directly from the manufacturer. This is less expensive, but may be a bit more risky since the quality of the keys cannot be assured.
Never try to break into your car using wire hangers or force. This could set off alarms and make it more difficult for a locksmith to unlock the door. This could also cause damage to the lock and result in additional charges for a complete repair or replacement. If you are able to locate your car keys, it might be worth the extra money to have them copied by an auto repair shop instead of at the dealership. This could save you lots of money, particularly if you have an extra key in your home.