How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
There are several options available in the event that you lose your car keys. The most affordable alternative is to hire a locksmith.
However, the best way is to reach out to your dealer if you have one. Getting a replacement through the dealer is a bit more expensive, but it's the cheapest.
Mechanical
The loss of your car keys can be stressful and expensive particularly if you are using a remote. A replacement key can range between $25 and $450 based on the car's make and model. The type of key you own, as well as the dealer you select to get it from, can impact the price of your key.
You can employ a locksmith, or go to the dealership for your car to purchase an entirely new key. Both options are different, but the dealer option tends to be the most expensive. If you own a traditional key that's not a key fob, you'll usually find a locksmith that can cut and program it for $50.
Modern car keys have a chip that links up with your vehicle whenever you use it to lock or start the engine. They require a more involved process to copy and are more expensive to replace. A basic transponder will cost around $150. A laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate, will cost you around $200.
If you need an replacement for a advanced key, such as the switchblade on a key fob or a smartkey, you'll need to go to the dealer. Locksmiths generally do not have the equipment to replicate these types of keys, and you will need to have them ordered from a dealer. This can take several days, and you won't be able to drive your car until the key arrives.
Making sure your keys aren't lost is the best way to avoid additional costs. Keep a spare key in your purse or glove box and using a tracking device for your keys.
Call the police immediately if you lose your car keys. It is not advisable to try to force entry into the car, as this could lead to an insurance claim or a claim for theft. Insurance companies can also be concerned when you break windows or hang wires. It is more difficult to convince them that the vehicle is yours.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their car keys at one time or another. It doesn't matter if they fell into another dimension or your cat flushed them down the toilet The loss of keys is a constant pain. Replacing keys can be expensive.
The cost of replacing keys can differ based on the model of your vehicle and the type of key that you own. Locksmiths and third-party workshops can easily duplicate metal regular keys. However, most modern vehicles have a special transponder keys that need to be programmed by the dealer to work.
For those kinds of keys, dealers will charge anywhere from $500 to $1000 to replace and reprogram. While that may seem expensive, you can reduce the cost by signing up for a comprehensive key replacement program. These programs charge a monthly fee which includes replacement of keys that are eligible and remote transponders, but not valet keys if they're lost or damaged. Some even provide one eligible key replacement per year, at no cost.
Most of these programs are offered at auto dealers, who often offer them as an addition to their bumper-to-bumper or extended warranty coverage. They are also available at reputable roadside assistance companies.
If you lose a transponder key or an all-in one laser-cut key, you'll need to have your vehicle taken to the dealership in order to get it replaced. The dealership will need to purchase the key and then pair it to your vehicle and this could take a couple of days.
To avoid paying the full cost for a replacement key, make sure to keep a spare key in the back of your hand. If you lose your VIN, it is a good idea to note it down. You can locate the VIN on your car's paperwork or on the dashboard or door jamb. You can also contact the manufacturer of your car or an GEICO representative for assistance. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you towing your vehicle to a qualified repair shop. The GEICO app offers this service for free.
Independent Locksmith
Replacement of car keys is a significant expense that most people aren't prepared for. It's important to understand what the cost is before you lose your keys. You can anticipate to pay much if you go through the dealership. However, third-party companies may have affordable solutions.
It's a smart idea to create an additional key and store it in a secure place in case you're worried about losing yours. car key replacement near me can hire an independent locksmith or a dealership to do this, however you'll likely need to wait until the service is completed. Some companies provide a 24-hour service, but it can be expensive.
The cost to replace keys for cars can differ depending on the type of vehicle you own and its features. A standard key made of metal can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10 however a transponder, or "smart" key that connects to the car via radio transmitters costs considerably more. In addition, if your car was built in the recent past it is likely to have a key fob remote which needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle.
Many locksmiths are equipped to cut keys for cars but not all carry the blanks required for each model and make. They also don't all have the tools to program a new car key, specifically for high-end models that use specialized keys.
Another factor that influences the cost of replacing your car keys is the time of day you require the key. Most locksmiths have regular working hours, so you'll pay more for the key in an emergency outside of these hours. The location in which you live can affect the price of a car key replacement as well. You'll likely pay more if you live in an area that is not well-connected.
In some cases keys to your car can be covered by insurance. Contact your insurance company to see what coverage you have. In some cases, the cost of replacement could be covered by the warranty on your vehicle and/or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
The term"roadside assistance" refers to the services that aid motorists or motorcyclists stuck on the side of the road. This service is provided by automobile associations, departments of transportation or insurance companies for vehicles. The employees of the company will respond to the call and inspect the vehicle or motorbike to determine what repairs need to be completed. The company might charge for a replacement key if one is required.
The ability to duplicate the keys to your car is essential. This process is usually done by a professional, either at a locksmith's store or using an automated key duplication device. The methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys do not work with modern keys that have technology built in. They come with a transponder in the key's head that communicates with your vehicle to verify it's a valid key. They are difficult to duplicate and are typically only done by a dealer or a licensed locksmith.
The first thing you need to do when your car key fob isn't working correctly is to replace the batteries. Most hardware stores sell the batteries required for less than $10. Some auto dealers and specialists might be able to provide the battery for free in case you're unable to find the right one.
A stolen or lost key can be a major problem, particularly if you're stuck on the side of the road. Many people will try to solve the problem on their own by trying to duplicate keys using an instrument for cutting keys or by using a file. These methods are not compatible with modern car keys, however. Most of them require precision programming and copying by a qualified expert like a technician, locksmith or professional from a car dealership.
Car dealerships offer the lowest prices for replacing a key however they also charge the highest fees. Contact your insurance company to see if the cost of replacing keys is covered.