Cost of Replacement Car Keys

It's a huge trouble to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them is also an expense of a major magnitude.

A call to an auto locksmith is the most affordable and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also get your key copied by an expert dealer, however they'll charge more.

Year & Make a Car

Long gone are the days when a simple lost car replacement keys key wasn't important. Modern cars are more sophisticated and, as a result, keys are more expensive to replace. In fact, if you lose your smart key or fob, it could cost up to $350.

Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start the engine. The keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices with circuitry, a battery and transponder chips all paired with your specific vehicle. This is a complex procedure that requires specific tools and training.

Fortunately, there are ways to save money on new car keys. By comparing prices for keys and features before you buy, you can be more informed about the price you can expect to pay for your new keys.

The year and model of your vehicle will have a major effect on the cost of your new replacement keys. A lot of newer vehicles have transponder chips that must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a time-consuming and expensive process.

Older cars and keys without transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. You can also save money by purchasing online or using a third party service to replace your car keys.

You might also think about buying a portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that can assist you in finding your car keys in case they are lost. These devices attach directly to your keys, and are easily accessible with a smartphone application.

Keep in mind that the loss or misplacement of keys to your car could be expensive. It is best to always carry a spare. If you don't have a spare, it's worth visiting your dealer to find out if they offer a free key replacement program as part of the warranty for your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons or an extended bumper-to-bumper insurance. These programs cover up to $400 in Replacement car key cost car key costs each year, and are well worth the security they offer.

Technology Type

While keys for cars and remotes might appear to be basic metal pieces, they are actually tiny electronic devices. As such there's more to them than what's apparent -- and this makes them expensive to replace.

The type of key you have will also influence the cost of replacing it. Standard key fobs can be duplicated relatively cheaply, but are not as durable as modern models that have an additional layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip which communicates with the car's computer. Without the chip it is impossible for a duplicate key to work even in the event that the grooves and ridges are identical to the original. These are much more expensive than traditional keys because they require two steps: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.

In some instances a locksmith may need to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a locksmith who is trained. If they need to replace other components such as the housing that houses a chip, the process can be time-consuming and costly.

For the most recent model automobiles, you'll need bring your vehicle into the dealership to have an updated key programmed to your vehicle. You'll need evidence of ownership like the registration papers or title documents. Additionally, you'll need to wait a few days until the dealer can order a new key for your vehicle and then pair it with the existing one.

Genesky says he can usually complete key programming and cut keys for customers who have older European vehicles at his shop for between $200 and $250. However, he is forced to deny customers who have the most recent models of cars since he doesn't have the expensive equipment needed to program keys for them. It is important to choose a local dealership or locksmith that can handle any type of vehicle and provides a variety of services. Ultimately, this will aid you in saving money in the long run in the process of repairing and replacing lost or stolen car keys.

Where You Live

The location of your home will affect the cost the locksmith or auto dealer will charge to replace keys. If you reside in a city that is large, the prices are likely to be higher than if you lived in an isolated town or rural region. This is due to the fact that the service provider needs to travel farther to get to you and this translates into higher prices.

The time and location of the loss may be a factor in the price. If you lose your keys during a holiday or at night this will increase the overall price. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting for a technician to arrive.

The type of key you have can also impact the cost. Certain cars have only basic mechanical keys, or standard keys, whereas others are equipped with transponder chips, key fob or smart key. Those keys that are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace.

Some of these high-tech keys need to be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This could take an hour or more of time and is another reason the cost will be more expensive than a basic key.

Those who have older cars with standard keys that don't contain transponder chips typically pay less for the purchase of a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cuts on the car's ignition or using the VIN number to identify the correct key for the car.

Most keys require that they are connected to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engines. If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, you can contact the dealership where you bought your car however that isn't always an option.

Based on your insurance policy, it may be possible to make a claim to pay for an alternative key or fob. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA might also be able to help, but they will likely only offer a basic key and not the advanced technology.

Security Features

Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience, but it's also an opportunity for someone else to steal your vehicle. While this is a risk every driver faces it's crucial to know the cost of replacing your car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.

The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors. The cost of replacing keys is affected by several factors, including the year and model of your vehicle, the technology used in the key, as well as the security features. It is also important to consider whether you would like to use an emergency roadside assistance program, like AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing your lost key.

Traditional car keys made of metal that don't come with transponder chips are much less expensive to replace. These can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. However, a newer smart key must be connected with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could cost as much as $200 or more.

Key fobs are available in many vehicles that connect to the car's computer via radio frequency identification. They are more difficult to duplicate and are made to guard against theft. The cost to replace these types of keys can be up to $500 or more.

You may also choose to have a tracker added to your keychain to help locate it in the event that you lose it. These small devices can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores and are can be used with an app that tracks the lost keys. They can add to the cost of replacing e-keys but they are an affordable and efficient option for the majority of people.

In the past when you lost your keys to your cheapest car key replacement was an enormous hassle and could have left you out of pocket for a short time. Most of us today have more technology than we did in the past, and so losing your keys is a hassle. But it doesn't have to be costly to get you back behind the wheel.