How to Avoid Expensive Replacement Car Key Costs
It’s not pleasant to lose or misplace your car keys. And, unfortunately, replacing them can be costly too.
The cost of a replacement key can vary greatly depending on the kind of key, the method by which it’s replaced and the location you’ll get it done. Here are a few of the main factors that affect replacement car key costs.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
In the past, misplacing or losing your car keys wasn’t a big deal. You could visit your local locksmith or hardware store and get a simple metal replacement key for pennies. Nowadays, cars are much more advanced in technology and so are keys. This makes it harder for thieves to steal vehicles however, it also increases the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car keys replacement key.
One of the most important factors that affects the cost of a replacement car key is the make and model of your vehicle. Certain manufacturers make keys that are more complicated and high-tech than others. This means that they’ll be more difficult to duplicate or program a new key. Furthermore, certain key fob features aren’t available at all locksmiths or auto shops, so you’ll need to visit the dealer for those services.
There are a variety of kinds of car keys, and each has its own unique set of costs when it comes to purchasing a new one. For instance, some cars have a switchblade key that folds into the fob, much like a standard house key. These keys can cost up to $125 to replace, however basic chip keys are usually cheaper than that.
Another crucial aspect that affects the price of a brand new key is how secure it is. Most modern keys come with anti-theft features to prevent them from being copied. The features include a small remote control, a microchip in the key and a code that is encrypted that prevents it from being read by a computer.
Smart keys that open doors and start engines are the most secure. Some auto shops and locksmiths are able to duplicate these keys, but dealerships require that you bring in your original key in order to join it with your vehicle. This can be expensive, but it is a safe way to ensure your vehicle won’t be taken by a criminal.
The Location
Replacement of the car key is not a pleasant experience. It’s a hassle and can cost a lot. However, you can cut down on a lot of the costs by knowing what it will cost before you go to the shop or call for roadside assistance. You can also find the most accurate estimate of price if you know what kind of car key you require, how old it is, and how much you’re willing to spend for it.
The location where you live is a big aspect in the cost of your car key replacement. In rural areas, there are less locksmiths and therefore more expensive prices. If you reside in a large city, you will have many locksmiths to choose from, and you can get an affordable price for a car key replacement car key cost (on front page).
Consider the time of year you are changing your keys. Prices are usually higher during the summer due to the increased demand. You can save money by putting off the decision to replace your transponder or basic key until after the off-season.
The keys for cars have evolved with the car technology. They’re not just basic metal pieces, they’re electronic miniaturized devices that are equipped with circuitry and batteries capable of performing many things. Car keys with chips inside can cost between $220 to $350 to replace, based on the type of key you’ve got as well as the overall cost of cutting the key, costs related to a locksmith’s visit or towing, and the programming cost.
It’s also worth noting that there are less expensive keys for cars that you can purchase online or at some hardware stores, but they may not function or be compatible with your car. Call us today if you’re looking to replace your car key faster and more affordably than a dealership. We’ll be more than happy to assist! Our locksmiths have years of training and experience. We make use of the most modern technology to offer you rapid and efficient service.
The Model and Make of the Key
In contrast to the past where you could walk into a hardware shop and purchase a duplicate key for pennies, today’s automobiles use electronic components to open doors and disable the immobilizer. If you lose your car keys or need to make an extra set, the process could be costly.
There are ways to reduce some of the expenses when you’re in need of new car keys. The first step is to understand the different types of keys and the costs. The next step is to understand what factors can affect the cost of having a new key made.
One of the main factors that determines the amount it will cost to purchase a new car key is the type and model of your car. Every manufacturer has its own unique key design, and many of them have sophisticated security technologies. The more complex the key, the greater price you’ll have to be charged.
For instance certain models have remote transmitters (also called a key fob) that require a special code to pair with the car. It is expensive to replace this kind of key, particularly if it is performed by a dealer or auto locksmith.
The type of key you have will also impact how expensive it is to make duplicate sets. If you own a traditional metal key, it will cost you less to make a duplicate than if you have one-of-a-kind laser-cut keys. A key that is laser-cut has circuitry inside of it that requires programming to work with your car therefore the cost of a replacement key for car cost key will vary according to the type of key you own.
Not least, it is important to determine if you have insurance coverage in the event that you lose or damage your keys. Some insurance companies have programs to cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged car keys up to a certain limit. This is an excellent option to consider for families with young children living in your home, or if your car was stolen.
Security Features
There are a myriad of things that can go awry when it comes to cars. It’s crucial to plan ahead and have a spare car key in place before anything goes wrong. A comprehensive key replacement program will cover a variety of different keys and fobs to ensure you don’t need to worry about the cost.
One of the most significant factors that can affect replacement car key costs is the type of mobile car key replacement you drive. The keys for newer vehicles can be more expensive because of the advanced technology. Certain vehicles with push-to-start have key fobs that require pairing with a computer. This is a lengthy, expensive process that requires a professional.
Some newer models have specialized security features that make keys more difficult to get. Certain key fobs can secure the doors of the vehicle if they are tampered with or feature mirror folding capabilities. These key fobs are programmed by an authorized dealer and require a more complicated process. They may be more expensive to replace.
Some newer vehicles include key fobs with anti-theft features. They shut off the engine in the event that the key is stolen or if it is broken off within the ignition. These are also more expensive to replace as they must be paired with the vehicle using a specific computer program that only dealers have access to.
In addition, some newer keys are manufactured using a switchblade that houses the metal component within plastic. They are more expensive due to the fact that they require a specific cutting tool. In some cases, these are able to be replaced on site by an automotive locksmith if you provide the model and year and proof that you own the vehicle (like your registration or title).
Each of these variables can add up to a significant bill when it’s time to purchase a new car key. That’s why it’s important for motorists to have a good car key replacement program in place so that they don’t pay hundreds of dollars in replacement costs should they lose their keys or have to have them duplicated.