How to Avoid Expensive Replacement Car Key Costs
It's not a pleasant experience to lose or misplace your car keys. Unfortunately replacing them could be costly too.
The cost of a new key can differ greatly based on the type of key, the location it is manufactured and the method by which it is replaced. Here are some of the factors that influence the price of replacement keys for cars.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
It wasn't long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase a basic metal key at your local hardware store for a few dollars. Nowadays, cars are much more advanced in technology and so are keys. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to steal a car, but also increases the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key.
The model and make of your car is among the most important factors that determine the price of a new key replacement. Some manufacturers produce keys that are more complicated and high-tech than other. This means that they'll be more difficult to replicate or program a new key for. Furthermore, certain key fob features aren't offered at all locksmith or auto shops, meaning you'll have to go to the dealer to purchase those services.
There are many types of car keys and each has its own unique set of costs when it comes to purchasing a new one. Some cars have switches that fold into an accessory, similar in the design of a house key. Keys like these can cost as high as $125, while the basic chips are usually less.
The security of the key also has a significant impact on the cost. Many modern keys are equipped with anti-theft features to prevent them from being copied. These features include a tiny remote control, a microchip in the key and an encrypted code that blocks it from being scanned by a computer.
Smart keys that can open doors and start engines are the most secure. They can be copied at some locksmiths and auto shops but most dealerships require you to bring the original key to them to connect it to your vehicle. This could be costly however it's a safe way to ensure your car won't be stolen by a thief.
The Location
The replacement of a car key is not a pleasant experience. It's a hassle, and it can cost a lot. But you can avoid a lot of the costs by knowing how much it will cost before you visit the shop or contact assistance at the roadside. You can get the most accurate estimate if you have a clear understanding of the kind of car key you need, how old it may be, and the amount of you're willing to spend.
The location where you live is a major factor in the cost of your car key replacement. If you live in an area that is rural for instance there might be fewer locksmiths available from and the prices will be higher as a result. However, if you live in a big city with plenty of locksmith choices, you can probably find a competitive deal on the replacement of your car keys.
Take into consideration the time of year when you are changing your keys. Due to the high demand prices, they tend to rise during the summer. If you are able to have your transponder keys or the basic ones replaced until after the off-season, then you'll likely save a substantial amount of money.
As car technology has evolved, so have the keys to cars. replacement key fobs for cars are no longer simple metal pieces. They are miniature electronic devices that have circuitry and batteries. Car keys that contain chip inside can cost between $220 and $350 to replace, depending on the type of key you own, the overall cost of cutting the key, costs related to a locksmith's visit or towing, as well as the cost of programming.
It's also worth noting that there are cheaper keys for cars you can buy from the internet or in some hardware stores, but they might not work or even be compatible with your car. If you're looking for a way to replace your car keys at a lower cost and quickly than dealers contact us today. We'll be more than willing to assist! Our locksmiths are well-trained and skilled. We use the most advanced technology to deliver a prompt and professional service.
The Make and Model of the Key
Unlike the days when you could go to the hardware store and get duplicate keys made for pennies, the majority of modern automobiles have electronic components in their keys that accomplish everything from opening the doors to turn off the car's immobilizer. If you lose your car key, or want to make an extra set, the process can be costly.
Luckily, there are ways to cut down on some of the costs when you require new car keys. The first step is understanding the different types of keys and the costs. The next step is to determine what factors can increase the cost of getting a replacement key made.
The model and type of your car will have a major impact on the price of the new key. Every manufacturer has its distinct key design. Many of them have advanced security features. The more complex the key, the greater price you will pay.
For instance, some of the latest models have remote transmitters (also known as a key fob) which require a unique code to connect with the car. This type of key can be very expensive to replace, especially when you need to visit a dealer or auto locksmith to get help.
The kind of key you own will also impact how expensive it will be to create duplicate sets. If you have an old-fashioned metal key, it will cost less to duplicate than if it's an all-in-one laser-cut key. A key that is laser-cut has circuitry inside of it that requires programming to work with your vehicle and the cost of a replacement key will vary depending on what type you own.
In the final analysis, you must consider whether you have any type of coverage for losing or damaging your keys. Some insurance companies offer a plan that will pay for the replacement of keys to damaged or lost car keys up to a certain amount. This is an excellent option to look into when you have children living in your home or if your vehicle has been stolen.
Security Features
There are many things that can go awry when it comes to cars. That's why it's important to have a solid key replacement plan for your car in place prior to anything happening. A comprehensive plan for key replacement can cover many different keys and fobs, meaning you don't have to fret about cost.
The kind of car you own is one of the most important factors that influence the cost of replacing car keys. The keys for more modern vehicles can be more expensive because of the advancements in technology. For instance, some push-to-start vehicles come with key fobs that must be connected to the vehicle via a computer. This can be a lengthy, expensive process that requires a specialist.
Some newer models have specialized security features that make keys harder to steal. For instance, some have key fobs that secure the car doors if they're tampered with or have mirror folding capabilities. These key fobs require a more specialized programming procedure that only a dealer can perform and are usually more expensive to replace than traditional metal keys.
Certain newer cars come with key fobs that are equipped with anti-theft systems. These disable the engine in the event that the key is stolen or if it has been broken off within the ignition. They can also be more expensive to replace since they must be paired to the vehicle using special computer software that only a dealer has access to.
Some keys are now made using a switchblade design which protects the metal part with plastic. They are more expensive to replace as they require a different type of cutting tool. Certain locksmiths in the automotive industry can replace keys on the spot if you give them the information regarding the key, such as the model and year, and proof of ownership (such as your registration or title).
All of these things can add up when it comes to getting a new key for your car. It's why it's essential for motorists to have a good car key replacement program in place so that they don't have to pay hundreds of dollars for replacement costs if they lose their keys or require to duplicate them.