How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
There are several options available if you lose your car keys. Locksmiths are the cheapest solution.
If you have a dealer you can contact them. The process of getting a replacement through the dealer can be more expensive, but it's usually the most affordable.
Mechanic
Losing your car keys can be an emotional experience, and when you have an remote key fob it could be costly. Getting a replacement key can cost from $25 to $450, depending on the make and model of your car. The type of key you have, as well as the dealer you decide to get it from, will affect the cost of your key.
You can either hire a locksmith or go to the car dealership to get a new key. Both options come with different costs however the dealer option is usually the most expensive. Locksmiths are usually able to cut and program a traditional key which isn't a fob.
Modern car keys have a chip which connects to your vehicle when you use them to unlock it or start it. These keys require a much more complicated process to copy and are more expensive to replace. A basic transponder key is about $150, while one that's laser-cut and harder to duplicate will run you about $200.
If you need an alternative to a more sophisticated key, like a switchblade inside a key fob or a smartkey, you'll need go to the dealer. Most locksmiths do not have the tools required to duplicate keys like these. You'll need purchase them from the dealer. It could take a few days, and you won't be able to drive your car until the key is delivered.
Preventing your keys from becoming lost is the best way to avoid extra costs. Keep a spare key in your glove box and utilizing a tracking device for your keys.
Contact the police immediately if have lost your car keys. Don't try to gain entry into the car, as this could result in an insurance claim or a theft claim. Insurance companies will also be concerned when you break windows or hang wires. It is more difficult to convince them that the car is yours.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their car keys at some point or another. The loss of keys can be a real pain in the event that they were lost to another dimension or were flushed down the toilet by your cat. Replacing them, however, will certainly put a dent in your budget.
The cost of replacing a key at the dealership will vary based on the type of key you have and the vehicle model. Locksmiths and third-party workshop can easily duplicate regular keys made of metal. However, many modern vehicles have a special transponder keys that need to be programmed by the dealer to work.
Dealers may charge anything from $500 to $1,000 to replace and reprogram these keys. Signing up for a comprehensive replacement key program can cut down on costs. These programs provide an annual fee that includes replacement of eligible keys and remote transponders (but not valet keys) in the event that they become lost or damaged. Some programs even provide one qualifying key replacement per year, at no cost.
These programs are often offered by auto dealers as an added benefit to their bumper-to-bumper warranty or extended warranty. You might also find them through reputable companies that specialize in providing roadside assistance.
You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer to exchange a lost transponder or all-in-one keys. The dealership will have to order the key and pair it with your vehicle, a process which can take a few days.
Keep a spare key on hand to avoid paying the full price of replacing it. You should also write down the VIN number in case you lose it. The VIN can be located on the car's documentation, the dashboard or door jamb. Alternatively, you can call the manufacturer of your car or an GEICO agent for help finding it. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you tow your vehicle to a reputable repair shop. www.g28carkeys.co.uk offers this service for free.
Independent Locksmith
Many people aren't prepared for the expense of replacing the car key. Before you lose your keys, it's important to know the cost. You could be charged an enormous amount of money if you go through a dealership, however it's also possible to find affordable solutions through third-party suppliers.
It's a good idea create a second key and store it in a secure place if you're concerned about losing yours. You can do this with an independent locksmith or a dealership, but you'll be waiting for the process to be completed. Some companies provide a 24-hour service, but it could be expensive.
The cost of replacing a car key will differ based on the kind of car you own and the features it comes with. A basic metal key is typically available at your local hardware store for under $10. However the transponder key or "smart key" that connects to your car through a radio transmitter will cost a lot more. If your car was built within the past decade or so you are likely to have the key fob remote which needs to be programmed to work with your car.
While many locksmiths have the equipment to cut the car key however, not all have the required blanks for every make and model. And not all of them have the tools to program a brand new car key, particularly for models with high-end features that require special keys.
Another factor that influences the cost of replacing a car key is the time of day that you need the key. You'll be charged more for an emergency key that is not during the regular hours of a majority of locksmiths. Additionally, the place in which you reside can impact the cost of a vehicle key replacement. It's likely to cost more for an area that is remote.
In certain cases the replacement of your car key may be covered by insurance. Contact your insurance company to see what coverage you have. In some instances the cost of replacing might be covered under the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
The term "roadside assistance" refers to the services that are provided by the Department of Transportation automobile associations, the Department of Transportation, or insurance companies for motorists and motorcyclists stuck on the sidelines of the highway. This type of service is offered by transportation departments and automobile associations or insurance companies for vehicles. The company's employees will respond to the call and inspect the vehicle or motorbike to determine what repairs need to be made. If a replacement key is needed the company could charge a fee to provide one.
It is essential to to duplicate the car key. This process is usually done by a professional, either at a locksmith's shop or by using the key duplication machine. However the methods used to copy older mechanical keys won't work for modern keys with the latest technology built into the keys. These keys have a transponder built into the head of the key, which communicates with your car to verify it's a valid key. These kinds of keys are more difficult to duplicate, and are typically only done at the dealership or by a licensed automotive locksmith.
The first thing you need to do when your car key fob is not functioning properly is to replace the batteries. The process is relatively quick and easy and the majority of hardware stores sell the necessary batteries for less than $10. Some dealers and auto specialists may be able provide an unpaid battery in case you're unable to locate the correct one.
A lost or stolen key can be a huge hassle, especially if you're stuck on the side of the road. Many people will try to solve the problem themselves by trying to duplicate a key with a key cutting machine or simply using the file. These methods won't work with modern car key however. The majority of them require precise programming and copying by an professional, like a technician, locksmith or car dealership professional.
In the majority of cases, car dealerships offer the most affordable rates for replacing keys to cars, however they also have some of the highest fees for service. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to find out whether they cover the cost of replacing keys to your car.