How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you've lost your car key, there are a few alternatives to replace it. Locksmiths are the cheapest solution.
If you own a dealership you can contact them. A replacement from the dealer may be more expensive, but it's usually the most affordable.
Technician
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience and if you have a remote key fob it can be expensive. A replacement key can range from $25 to $450 depending on the car's model and make. The type of key you own as well as the dealer you choose to get it from, can impact the price of your key.
You can either hire a locksmith or go to the car dealership to purchase new keys. Both alternatives are different, but the dealer option is typically the most expensive. Locksmiths can usually cut and program a traditional key, which is not a fob.
Modern car keys have a chip which connects to your vehicle whenever you use them to unlock or start it. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and cost more to replace. A basic transponder key will cost around $150, whereas the laser-cut version that is harder to duplicate will run around $200.
If you require an replacement for a sophisticated key, like a switchblade inside a key fob, or a smartkey, you'll need go to the dealer. Most locksmiths do not have the tools needed to duplicate keys like these. You will have to purchase them from a dealer. This could take a few days, and you will not be able to access your car until it arrives.
Making sure your keys aren't lost is the best way to avoid extra costs. Consider keeping a spare in your pocket or glove box and using the device to track your keys.
Call the police immediately if have lost your car keys. Do not force your way in the car because this could cause an insurance claim, or even a claim for theft. Also breaking windows or using wire hangers will raise red flags with insurance companies and make it more difficult to convince them that you are the legitimate owner of the vehicle.
Dealership
Most people have lost their keys to their car at one time or another. Losing your keys could be a major hassle in the event that they were lost to another dimension or were flushed into the toilet by a cat. Replacing your keys can be expensive.
The cost to replace keys can differ based on the type of vehicle you own and the type of key you have. Locksmiths and third-party workshops can easily duplicate metal regular keys. However, most modern vehicles have specialized transponder keys that must be programmed by the dealer in order to work.
Dealers can charge anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to replace and reprogram these keys. By signing up for a comprehensive replacement key program will help you cut costs. These programs charge a monthly fee which includes the replacement of your key and remote transponders however, not keys for valet, in the event that they are lost or damaged. Some even offer one qualifying key replacement per year at no additional cost.
A majority of these programs are available at auto dealers, who typically offer them as an extra addition to their bumper-to-bumper or extended warranty coverage. You can also find them in reputable roadside assistance businesses.
If you lose a transponder keys or an all-in-one laser-cut keys then you'll have to have your vehicle town to the dealer to get it replaced. They'll have to purchase the new key, and then connect it to your vehicle in a process that could take a few days to complete.
Keep a spare key handy to avoid paying the full price of a replacement. Also, you should note the VIN number in the event that you lose it. The VIN can be found on your car's documentation, on the dashboard or the door jamb. You can also contact the manufacturer of your car or an GEICO agent for assistance in finding it. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you towing your vehicle to a reputable repair shop. It's completely free to join and accessible through the GEICO mobile app.
Independent Locksmith
Replacement of car keys is a big cost that many people aren't prepared for. It's crucial to know the cost before you lose your keys. You could be charged a lot of money through the dealership, but it's also possible to find low-cost solutions through third-party vendors.
If you're concerned about losing your car keys it's recommended to create an extra key and keep it in a secure place. You can do this by using an independent locksmith or dealership, but you'll likely be waiting for the service to be completed. Some companies provide a 24-hour service, but it can be expensive.
The cost to replace keys for cars can differ according to the type of vehicle you own and the features. A regular metal key is typically available at your local hardware store for under $10. However the transponder key or "smart key" that connects to your car through a radio transmitter will cost significantly more. If your car was manufactured within the last decade, it could have a key fob that needs to be reprogrammed in order to work with your car.
While many locksmiths have equipment needed to cut a car key however, not all have the required blanks for each make and model. There aren't all locksmiths equipped with the technology necessary to program the car key. This is especially true for high-end models with specialized keys.
Another aspect that affects the cost of car key replacement is the time of day you need the key. You'll be charged more for an emergency key when it's outside of the regular hours of most locksmiths. Additionally, the place in which you live can affect the price of a car key replacement too. You'll likely pay more for an area that is not well-connected.
In some cases, car key replacement can be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider to find out if you're covered. In some cases the cost of replacement could be covered by the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance refers to the services provided by the Department of Transportation automobile associations, as well as vehicle insurance providers for motorcyclists and motorists on the sidelines of the highway. This service is offered by car associations, departments of transportation or vehicle insurance companies. The company will send an employee to examine the motorcycle or vehicle and determine if any repairs are required. If the need for a replacement key arises and the company is able to charge a fee for the supply of one.
It is important to be able to duplicate the car key. This is usually done professionally, at a locksmith shop or with the aid of a key duplication device. The methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys don't work with modern keys that have technology built-in. replacement key fob car have a transponder built into the head of the key, which communicates with your car to verify it's a valid key. These keys are harder to duplicate and are generally only created by a dealership or licensed locksmith.
If you're experiencing a problem with the key fob in your car the first step is to replace the battery. Most hardware stores carry the batteries required for less than $10. If you're not able to locate the correct battery, some auto specialists or dealers might be able to supply one at no cost.
A stolen or lost key can be a major problem, particularly if you're stuck on the side of the road. Many people try to fix the issue by copying their car key using a key cutting machine or file. These methods are not compatible with modern car keys, however. They require precise programming and copying by a certified professional, such as a technician, locksmith or professional from a car dealership.
In the majority of cases, car dealerships have the best rates for replacing keys for cars, but they also have the highest fees for service. It is important to check with your insurance provider to find out whether they cover the cost of replacing keys to your car.