How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
There are several options available for those who lose their car keys. Locksmiths are the most affordable solution.
If you own a dealership, it is best to contact them. A replacement from the dealer may be more expensive, but it's the cheapest.
Mechanical
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience and if you have an remote key fob it could be costly. The cost of a replacement key ranges between $25 and $450 based on the make and model. The cost of a key can be affected by the type of key that you own and the dealer where you purchase it from.
You can get locksmiths to change the keys to your car or can visit a car dealership to purchase a new one. Both alternatives are different, but the dealer option is usually the most expensive. If you own a traditional key that isn't a key fob, you'll usually find a locksmith that can cut and program it for about $50.
Modern car keys come with a chip that links up with your vehicle whenever you use it to lock or start the engine. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and will cost more to replace. A basic transponder will cost about $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 have go to a dealer. The majority of locksmiths don't have the equipment to replicate these types of keys, and you will require them to be ordered from a dealer. It could take a couple of days and you won't be able use your vehicle until the keys arrive.
The best way to avoid the expense of losing your car keys is to prevent them from being lost in the first place. Keep a spare key in your pocket or glove box and utilizing an electronic device to track your keys.
Contact the police immediately if you have lost your car keys. Do not try to force entry into the car, as this could lead to an insurance claim or even a theft claim. Insurance companies can also be suspicious when you break windows or hang wires. It is harder to convince them that the car belongs to you.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their keys to their car at one point or another. The loss of keys can be a real hassle, whether they fell into another dimension or were flushed into the toilet by a cat. Replacing them, however, could be a major expense in your budget.
The cost of replacing keys can differ based on the type of vehicle you own and the type of key you own. Traditionally metal regular keys can be duplicated at locksmiths or third-party workshops however, most modern vehicles have transponder keys with specialization that have to be programmed by a dealer to work correctly.
For those types of keys, the dealer can charge between $500 to $1000 to replace and reprogram. A comprehensive replacement key program will help you cut costs. These programs cost a monthly fee that covers replacement of eligible key and remote transponders and valet keys when they're damaged or lost. Some programs even provide one qualifying key replacement per year for no cost.
These programs are usually offered by car dealers as an added benefit to their bumper-tobumper or extended warranty. They can also be found in reputable roadside assistance businesses.
If you lose a transponder or an all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll need to have your vehicle taken to the dealership in order to have them replace it. They will have to order the new key and connect it to your vehicle. This process can take days to complete.
To avoid having to pay the full amount for a replacement key, ensure you keep a spare on hand. If you lose the VIN it's recommended to note it down. The VIN can be located on your vehicle's documentation, on the dashboard or the door jamb. You can also contact the manufacturer of your vehicle or a GEICO agent for assistance in finding it. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you towing your vehicle to a certified repair shop. The GEICO app provides this service for free.
Independent Locksmith
Car key replacement is a big expense that most people aren't prepared for. If you lose your keys, you need to be aware of the price. You could be charged a lot of money if you go through the dealership, but it's also possible to find low-cost solutions through third-party vendors.
It's a good idea to create an additional key and keep it in a safe place if you're concerned about losing yours. replacement car keys can employ an independent locksmith or a dealership to do this, but you'll likely need to wait until the service is completed. Some companies have a 24-hour emergency service, however this could be more expensive.
The cost of replacing a car key can vary dependent on the type of vehicle you own and the features. A regular metal key is typically available at a local hardware store for less than $10. However the transponder key or "smart key" that connects to the car through a radio transmitter is more expensive. Additionally, if your car was built in the recent past, it likely has a key fob remote that must be programmed to work with your car.
While many locksmiths have equipment needed to cut the car key, not all of them have the appropriate blanks for every brand and model. Not all locksmiths have the tools required to program the car key. This is especially applicable to high-end models that come with specialized keys.
Another factor that influences the cost of replacing a car key is the time of day that you require the key. You'll be charged more for a emergency key that is not during the regular hours of a majority of locksmiths. The location of your home can also affect the cost of replacing a car key. You'll be charged more if your home is in a remote location.
Insurance may cover the cost of replacing the car key in certain instances. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered. In certain cases the cost of replacing might be covered under the vehicle's warranty and/or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
The term roadside assist refers to the assistance provided by the Department of Transportation automobile associations, the Department of Transportation, or insurance companies for motorcyclists and motorists on the sidelines of the highway. This type of service is provided by transportation departments or automobile associations, as well as vehicle insurance providers. The company will send a representative to examine the motorcycle or vehicle and determine if any repairs are needed. The company might charge for a new key if one is required.
It is important to to duplicate the car key. This process is usually done by a professional at a locksmith's shop or by using an automated key duplication device. The methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys do not work with modern keys with technology built in. These keys come with a transponder in the key's head that communicates with your car to verify it's a valid key. These kinds of keys are much harder to duplicate and are usually only made at a dealership or by an authorized automotive locksmith.
If you're experiencing a problem with your car's key fob the first step is to replace the battery. Most hardware stores carry the batteries needed for less than $10. If you are unable to locate the right battery, dealers or auto specialists may be able provide one at no cost.
A stolen or lost key can be a major issue, especially if stuck on the side of the highway. Many people attempt to solve the problem themselves by copying the key using an instrument for cutting keys or simply using an image file. These methods will not work with modern car keys, however, and most of them require precision programming and copying by a certified expert like a locksmith, a professional from a car dealership, or mechanic.
Car dealerships offer the lowest costs for replacing a key however they also charge some of the highest fees. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see whether they will cover the cost of replacing the car key.