How to Avoid Expensive Replacement Car Key Costs
It's not a pleasant experience to lose or misplace your car keys. Unfortunately replacing them can be costly too.
The cost of a replacement key can vary greatly depending on the type of key, the way it's replaced and the location you'll get it done. Here are a few elements that affect replacement car key prices.
Model and Make of Your Vehicle
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car key or losing it was not an issue. You could go to your local hardware store or locksmith and purchase a basic metal replacement key for pennies. Nowadays, cars are more advanced in technology, and so are their keys. This makes it harder for thieves to steal a vehicle and also increases the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key.
One of the most important factors that affect the price of a replacement car key is the brand and model of your car. Some manufacturers produce 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. Additionally, certain key fob features aren't available at all locksmith or auto shops, meaning you'll need to visit the dealer to purchase those services.
There are many kinds of keys and each has its own set of costs. For vehicle key replacement , certain vehicles use a switchblade key that folds up into the fob, much like the standard house key. These keys can cost up $125, while basic chips are usually smaller.
The security of the key also has a significant effect on its cost. Most modern keys come with anti-theft features to prevent them from being copied. These features include a tiny remote control, a microchip within the key and a code that is encrypted that prevents it from being read by computers.
The most secure keys are smart keys, which are able to open the doors and even start the engine. Some locksmiths and auto shops can duplicate keys, but dealerships require that you bring your original key to them so that they can pair it up with your vehicle. It can be costly, but it is a safe way to ensure your vehicle won't be taken by a criminal.
The Location
The replacement of a car key is not an enjoyable experience. It's a hassle, and it can be costly. You can save money by knowing the price of the repair before you call roadside assistance or visit the store. You can also find the most accurate estimate when you know the type of car key you require, how old it is and the price you're willing to pay for it.
The area you reside in is a big aspect in the cost of replacing your car keys. In rural areas, there are fewer locksmiths and therefore higher prices. If you live in a city, there are many locksmiths to choose from, and you can find an affordable price for replacing the car key.
Consider the time of year you are changing your keys. Due to the high demand, prices tend to increase in the summer. If you are able to have your transponder keys or the basic ones replaced until after the off-season and you'll save a substantial amount of money.
As car technology has evolved as have the keys to cars. They are no longer just metal pieces. They are tiny electronic devices that are powered by circuitry and batteries. Car keys that contain chip inside can cost between $220 to $350 to replace, based on the kind of key you have as well as the overall cost of cutting the key, costs associated with a locksmith's visit or towing, as well as the programming cost.
It's also worth mentioning that there are cheaper keys for cars that you can purchase on the internet or at certain hardware stores, but they may not work or even be compatible with your vehicle. Call us today if you want to replace your car key faster and more affordably than through the dealership. We will be happy to assist you! Our locksmiths have a wealth of training and have years of experience. We make use of the modern technology to provide you with rapid and efficient service.
The Key's Model and Make
In contrast to the days when you could go to the hardware store and get duplicate keys made for pennies, today's modern cars use electronic components in their keys to accomplish everything from opening the doors to turn off the car's immobilizer. If you lose your car key or you want to create an additional set, the process could be quite costly.
There are ways to reduce the cost of buying new car keys. The first step is to understand the different types of keys and their prices. The next step is knowing what factors can increase overall cost of having the new key.
One of the most important factors that impacts how much it will cost you to purchase a new car key is the kind and model of your vehicle. Every manufacturer has its own distinctive key design, and many of them have sophisticated security technologies. The more sophisticated the key more expensive you can expect to pay.
For example some of the most recent models have remote transmitters (also known as a key fob) that require a special code to pair with the car. It can be expensive to replace this type of key, especially if it is carried out by a dealer or auto locksmith.
The kind of key you own will also impact how expensive it will be to create duplicate sets. A traditional metal key will cost less to duplicate than an all-in one laser-cut key. A laser-cut key has circuitry inside of it that needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle and the cost of the replacement key will be different depending on what type you own.
Lastly, you should consider whether or not you have any type of coverage for losing or damaging your keys. Some insurance companies offer a program that covers the cost of replacing keys that are damaged or lost up to a certain amount. This is a great option if you have children at home or your car has been stolen.
Security Features
There are many things that can go wrong when it comes to cars. This is why it's crucial to have a reliable car key replacement plan in place before anything happens. A comprehensive program for key replacement can cover a number of different keys and fobs to ensure that you don't have to be concerned about the cost.
The type of vehicle you own is one of the most important factors that influence the cost of replacing car keys. Newer cars have lots of technological advancements which can make keys more expensive to replace. Certain push-to-start vehicles have key fobs that need to be paired up with a computer. This can be a lengthy, expensive process that requires a professional.
Some newer models come with security features that make keys harder to take. For instance, some models have key fobs that lock the doors of the car if 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 have key fobs that are equipped with anti-theft systems. These disable the engine in the event the key is stolen, or if it has been broken off within the ignition. These are also more expensive to replace because they must be paired with the car through a special computer program that only the dealer has access to.
Certain keys are now manufactured in a switchblade design that protects the metal part with plastic. They are more costly to replace since they require a different kind of cutting tool. In some cases, these are able to be replaced on site by an locksmith for automotive if you provide the key's model and year and evidence that you have the vehicle (like your registration or title).
All of these different factors can result in an enormous cost when it's time to purchase a new car key. It's important that drivers have a replacement car key plan in place to avoid paying hundreds of dollars in replacement costs if they lose their keys.