How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you lose your car keys there are several options for getting it replaced. Locksmiths are the most affordable solution.
However, the best way is to reach out to your dealer in case you own one. Getting a replacement through the dealer may be more expensive, but it's the cheapest.
Mechanic
The loss of your car keys can be stressful and expensive particularly if you are using a remote. The cost of a replacement key may cost from $25 to $450, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. The cost of a key is influenced by the type of key that you have as well as the dealer where you purchase it from.
You can employ a locksmith, or go to the dealership for your car to purchase an entirely new key. Both options are priced differently, but the dealer option is usually the most expensive. Locksmiths can usually cut and program a traditional key, which isn't an fob.
Modern car keys include an electronic chip that connects to your vehicle whenever you use them to lock or start it. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and cost more to replace. A basic transponder will cost you around $150. A laser-cut version, which is more difficult to duplicate, will cost you about $200.
If you need an alternative to a more sophisticated key, like a switchblade in a key fob or a smartkey, you'll have go to the dealer. Most locksmiths do not have the equipment necessary to duplicate keys like these. You'll have to order them from a dealer. This could take a few days, and you won't be able to use your vehicle until they arrive.
The best way to avoid the extra expense of losing your car keys is to avoid them from being lost in the first place. 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 notify the police as soon as possible. Don't try to force your way into the car, as this could result in an insurance claim or a theft claim. Insurance companies can also be suspicious if you break windows or hang wires. It is more difficult to convince them that the vehicle is yours.
Dealership
Many people have lost their keys to their car at one point or another. The loss of keys can be a real hassle regardless of whether they fell into another dimension or were flushed down the toilet by a cat. Replacing your keys can be expensive.
The cost of replacing a key at the dealership can vary depending on the kind of key you own and the vehicle model. Locksmiths and third-party workshops are able to easily duplicate metal regular keys. However, most modern vehicles have specialized transponder key that must be programmed by the dealer to work.
For those kinds of keys, dealers will charge anywhere from $500 and $1000 to replace and reprogram. While that may seem expensive however, you can lower the costs by signing up to an extensive key replacement program. These programs charge a monthly cost which includes replacement of eligible key and remote transponders, but not keys for valet, in the event that they are lost or damaged. Some even provide one eligible key replacement per year for no additional cost.
These programs are usually offered by auto dealers as an additional service to their bumper-to-bumper warranty or extended warranty. You may also be able to find them through reputable companies that specialize in roadside assistance.
If you lose a transponder key or an all-in one laser-cut key and you're not able to replace it, you'll need your vehicle taken to the dealership in order to get it replaced. The dealership will need to purchase the key and then pair it to your vehicle and this could take several days.
To avoid having to pay the full amount to replace the key, be sure to keep a spare key in the back of your hand. If you lose your VIN it's an excellent idea to record it. The VIN can be located on your vehicle's documentation, on the dashboard or the door jamb. Alternatively, you can call your car's manufacturer or an GEICO agent for assistance in finding it. GEICO Roadside Assistance can tow your vehicle to a certified repair facility. The GEICO app can provide this service for free.
Independent Locksmith
Replacement of car keys is a major expense that a lot of people aren't prepared for. It's important to understand what the cost is before you lose your keys. You can anticipate to pay a lot if you use the dealership. However, third-party companies may have affordable solutions.
It's a good idea create an additional key and keep it in a safe place in case you're worried about losing yours. You can hire an independent locksmith or dealership to do this, but you'll probably have to wait until the process is completed. Some companies provide a 24-hour service, but it could be costly.
The cost of replacing a car key will vary depending on the type of car you own and the features of your car. A standard metal key can usually be copied at the hardware store for less than $10, however a transponder, or "smart" key that connects to the car via a radio transmitter costs significantly more. In addition, if your car was built in the recent past, it likely has the key fob remote that must be programmed to work with your car.
automotive car key replacement are equipped to cut car keys but not all carry the blanks required for each make and model. And not all of them have the tools to program a brand new car key, especially for high-end models that have special keys.
Another aspect that affects the cost of replacing a car key is the time of day you require the key. Most locksmiths operate during regular hours, so you'll be charged more if you require the key in a crisis outside of these hours. The location in which you live can affect the price of a car key replacement as well. You'll be charged more if your house is in a remote location.
Insurance can cover the cost of replacing a car key in some circumstances. Contact your insurance company to determine what coverage you have. In other instances the cost of replacement may be included in the vehicle's warranty or roadside assistance additional add-ons.
Roadside Assistance
The term "roadside assistance" refers to the services provided by the Department Transportation automobile associations, the Department of Transportation, or vehicle insurance providers for motorcyclists and motorists on the sidelines of the highway. This kind of service is provided by departments of transportation, automobile associations, or insurance companies for vehicles. The company's employees will respond to the request and examine the vehicle or motorcycle to determine the type of repairs that need to be made. The company could charge for a new key if one is required.
It is crucial to be able to duplicate your car key. This process is usually done by a professional, either in a locksmith's shop, or using an automated key duplication device. However the methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys aren't suitable for modern keys that have technology built into the keys. These types of keys contain transponders in the head that communicates with the car in order to verify that it's a valid key. These kinds of keys are much harder to duplicate and are typically made at the dealership or by a licensed automotive 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. Some dealers and auto specialists may be able to offer a free battery when you're unable find the right one.
A stolen or lost key can be a major hassle, especially if you're stuck on the side of the highway. Many people attempt to solve the issue themselves by trying to duplicate keys using an instrument for cutting keys or using a file. These methods will not work with modern car keys however, and the majority of them require precision copying and programming by a certified expert such as a locksmith a car dealership professional or a mechanic.
In most cases, car dealerships offer the best prices for replacing keys to cars, however they also have the highest fees for service. Check with your insurance provider to find out if the cost of replacing a key is covered.