How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you've lost your car key there are several alternatives to replace it. The cheapest option is to use an locksmith.
However, the best way is to call your dealer for a replacement if you have one. A replacement from the dealer may be more expensive, but it's usually the most affordable.
Mechanic
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and costly experience particularly if you are using remote. car key replacements can range from $25 to $450, based on your car's model and make. The price of a key can be affected by the type of key that you have as well as the dealer who sells it from.
You can get locksmiths to repair your car keys or you can go to a car dealership to purchase a new one. Both options are priced differently however the dealer option is typically the most expensive. Locksmiths typically cut and program a traditional key, which is not a fob.
Modern car keys include an electronic chip that connects with your vehicle whenever you use it to unlock or start the engine. They require a more complex process to duplicate and will cost more to replace. A basic transponder keys will cost around $150, whereas one that's laser-cut and harder to duplicate will run around $200.
If you have a more advanced key, like the switchblade key found in a key fob or a smart key, you'll need to go to the dealership for an alternative. Most locksmiths do not have the tools required to duplicate these keys. You'll have to purchase them from the dealer. This could take a couple of days and you will not be able use your vehicle until they arrive.
Making sure your keys aren't lost is the best way to avoid additional cost. Consider keeping a spare in your pocket or glove box and using an electronic device to track your keys.
If you do lose your car keys, be sure to contact the police as soon as you can. Do not try to force entry into the car, since this could lead to an insurance claim or even a theft claim. Insurance companies will also be concerned when you break windows or use wire hangers. It is more difficult to convince them that the car is yours.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their keys at some time or another. It doesn't matter if they fell into an alternate dimension or your cat flushed them down the toilet Losing your keys is always a hassle. Replacing your keys can be costly.
The cost of replacing keys can differ based on your vehicle model and the type of key you have. Locksmiths and third-party workshop can easily duplicate regular keys made of metal. However, many modern vehicles have specialized transponder keys that need to be programmed by the dealer to work.
For these types of keys, the dealer will charge anywhere from $500-$1000 to replace and reprogram. Signing up for a comprehensive program for replacement keys can help you reduce costs. These programs charge a monthly fee which includes the replacement of your key and remote transponders and keys for valet, if they're lost or damaged. Some even provide one eligible key replacement per year at no additional cost.
These programs are usually offered by car dealers as an extra service to their bumper-tobumper warranty or extended warranty. They are also available at reputable roadside assistance companies.
You will need to tow your vehicle to the dealer to replace a lost transponder or an all-in-one key. The dealership will need to request the key and connect it with your vehicle and this could take several days.
Keep an extra key in your bag to keep from paying the full cost of replacing it. You should also write down the VIN number in case you lose it. The VIN can be located on your vehicle's documentation, on the dashboard or door jamb. If you prefer, you can contact the manufacturer of your car or an GEICO agent for help finding it. GEICO Roadside Assistance can tow your car to a qualified repair facility. It's free to join and is available through the GEICO mobile app.
Independent Locksmith
Key replacement for cars is a big expense that a lot of people aren't prepared for. It is important to know the cost before you lose your keys. You can expect to pay a lot of money if you go through a dealership, but it's also possible to find affordable solutions through third-party suppliers.
It's a smart idea to make an extra key and keep it in a safe place if you're concerned about losing yours. You can hire an independent locksmith or a dealership to make this happen, but you'll likely need to wait until the work is completed. Some companies offer a 24 hour emergency service, but it is more costly.
The cost of replacing your car's key will differ based on the type of car you have and its features. A regular metal key is typically available at your local hardware store for less than $10. However the transponder key or "smart key" that connects to your car via radio transmitters is more expensive. If your car was manufactured in the last decade, it might have a key fob that needs to be reprogrammed to work with your car.
Many locksmiths are equipped to cut keys for cars however, not all have the blanks required for each model and make. And not all of them have the tools to program a brand new car key, specifically for models with high-end features that require key codes that are specialized.
Another factor that influences the cost of replacing a car key is the time of day you require the key. You'll pay more for an emergency key that is not during the regular hours of most locksmiths. The place of your residence can also affect the cost of replacing a car key. You'll pay more if your house is in a remote location.
In certain cases the replacement of your car key may be covered by insurance. Contact your insurance company to see if you are covered. In certain cases the cost of replacing could be covered by the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
The term "roadside assistance" refers to the assistance provided by the Department Transportation automobile associations, as well as insurance companies for motorcyclists and motorists on the sidelines of the highway. This service is offered by car associations, departments of transportation or insurance companies for vehicles. The company will send a representative to look over the vehicle or motorcycle and determine if repairs are required. The company may charge for a new key, if needed.
Being able to duplicate your car keys is important. This is usually done professionally at a locksmith shop or with the aid of a key duplication device. However the methods used to copy older mechanical keys don't work for modern keys with technology built into the keys. These keys have a transponder built into the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it's a legitimate key. These kinds of keys are much harder to duplicate, and are typically only done at an auto dealership or by a licensed automotive locksmith.
The first thing you need to do when your car key fob isn't functioning properly is to replace the batteries. The process is quick and easy, and most hardware stores sell the necessary batteries for less than $10. Some auto dealers and specialists may be able to offer the battery for free in case you're unable to locate the correct battery.
A lost or stolen key can be a huge issue, especially if stuck on the side of the road. Many people try to solve the problem themselves by trying to copy a key with a key cutting machine or by using a file. These methods are not compatible with modern car key, however. Most of them require precision programming and copying by an professional such as a technician locksmith or car dealership professional.
Car dealerships offer the lowest costs for replacing a key however, they also charge the highest fees. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to see whether they will cover the cost of replacing a car key.