How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
There are a variety of options if you lose your car keys. Locksmiths are the cheapest solution.
If you have a dealer you should contact them. The dealer will cost a bit more, however, the replacement is typically cheaper.
Technician
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience and when you have a remote key fob, it can also be expensive. Getting a replacement key can cost from $25 to $450, based on the model and make of your vehicle. The kind of key you have as well as the dealer you select to get it from, can impact the price of your key.
You can get locksmiths to repair your car keys, or you can visit a car dealership for a new one. Both choices are different, however the dealer option is typically the most expensive. If you own a traditional key that's not a key fob, you can typically find a locksmith who can cut and program it for $50.
Modern car keys have a chip which connects to your car when you use them to lock or start it. These keys require a more involved process to copy and are more expensive to replace. A basic transponder will cost you about $150. A laser-cut version, which is more difficult to duplicate, will cost you around $200.
If you need a replacement for a more advanced key, such as a switchblade inside a key fob, or a smartkey, you'll have go to a dealer. Most locksmiths do not have the equipment necessary to duplicate these keys. You'll have purchase them from a dealer. This could take a few days, and you won't be able use your car until it arrives.
The best way to avoid the extra expense of losing your car keys is to avoid them from getting lost in the first place. Keep a spare in your purse or glove box, and using the device to track your keys.
Contact the police immediately if have lost your car keys. You should not attempt to enter the car because this could result in an insurance claim, or even a claim for theft. Insurance companies are also suspicious in the event that you break windows or use wire hangers. It is difficult to convince them that the car is yours.
Dealership
A majority of people have lost their keys at some point. If they fell into another dimension or the cat flushed them down the toilet Losing your keys is a constant pain. Replacing keys can be expensive.
The cost of replacing a key can vary depending on your vehicle model and the type of key that you have. Traditionally metal regular keys can be duplicated at locksmiths or third-party workshops However, the majority of modern vehicles have specialized transponder keys that need to be programmed by a dealer in order to work properly.
For those types of keys, the dealer can charge between $500 to $1000 to replace and reprogram. While that may seem expensive, you can reduce the cost by signing up for an extensive key replacement program. These programs charge a monthly fee which includes replacement of keys eligible for replacement and remote transponders (but not valet keys) in the event that they become damaged or lost. Some programs offer the possibility of a free key replacement each year.
Most of these programs can be found at auto dealers, who often offer them as an option to their bumper-tobumper or extended warranty coverage. You can also find them at reputable roadside assistance companies.
If you lose a transponder or an all-in one laser-cut key then you'll have to have your vehicle town to the dealer to get it replaced. They'll need to purchase the new key and pair it with your vehicle in a process that can take days to complete.
Keep an extra key in your bag to avoid paying the full price of the replacement. If you lose the VIN it's recommended to record it. You can find the VIN on your car's paperwork and dashboard, or on the door jamb. Alternatively, you can call the manufacturer of your car or a GEICO agent for help finding the VIN. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you towing your vehicle to a qualified repair shop. The GEICO app offers this service for no cost.
Independent Locksmith
Replacement of car keys is a significant cost that many people aren't prepared for. Before you lose your keys, it's important to know the cost. It is possible to spend lots of money through a dealership, however it is also possible to find affordable solutions through third-party vendors.
It's a good idea create an additional key and store it safely if you're concerned about losing yours. You can do this with an independent locksmith or dealership, but you'll likely have to wait for the service to be completed. Some companies have a 24-hour emergency service, but it could be more expensive.
The cost of car key replacement can vary based on the type of car you own and its features. A standard key made of metal can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10, however a transponder, or "smart" key that connects to your car via radio transmitters costs considerably more. In addition, if your car was built in the past decade or so it is likely to have a key fob remote which needs to be programmed to work with your car.
While a lot of locksmiths have equipment needed to cut keys for cars, not all of them have the required blanks for every brand and model. There aren't all locksmiths equipped with the necessary technology to program the car key. This is especially applicable to high-end models that come with special keys.
Another factor that influences the cost of replacing a car key is the time of day you require the key. Most locksmiths have regular working hours, so you'll be charged more if you require the key in a crisis outside of these hours. The place of your residence can influence the cost of a replacement car key. You'll be charged more if your home is in a remote area.
In certain instances keys to your car can be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance company to see what coverage you have. In some instances the cost of replacement could be covered by the warranty on your vehicle and/or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance refers to the assistance offered by the Department of Transportation automobile associations, as well as car insurance companies for motorcyclists and motorists on the roadside. This service is provided by the automobile associations, departments of transportation or insurance companies for vehicles. The company's employees will respond to the request and examine the car or motorcycle to determine the type of repairs that need to be done. The company might charge for a new key if it is needed.
Having the ability to duplicate your car keys is crucial. This process is typically performed by a professional, either at a locksmith's store or using the key duplication machine. However, the methods used to copy older mechanical keys won't work for modern keys with technology integrated into them. Keys with this type of technology have a transponder in the key head that communicates with the car to confirm that it is a valid key. These types of keys are more difficult to duplicate and are usually only made at a dealership or by an authorized automotive locksmith.
The first thing you need to do when your car key fob is not working correctly is to replace the batteries. The process is simple and straightforward and most hardware stores sell the necessary batteries for less than $10. Some auto specialists and dealers may be able provide a free battery in case you're unable to locate the correct battery.
A stolen or lost car key can be a big hassle, especially when you're stranded at the side of the road. Many people attempt to fix the issue by copying their car key using a key cutting machine or a file. These methods will not work with modern car keys, however, and most of them require precision copying and programming by a certified expert like a locksmith, an expert from a dealership or a mechanic.
In the majority of cases, car dealerships offer the most affordable rates for replacing a car key, but they also have some of the highest service fees. It's worth checking with your insurance provider to see whether they will cover the cost of replacing a car key.