How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you have lost your car key, there are a few options to replace it. The cheapest option is to use an locksmith.
The best option is to call your dealer for a replacement if you have one. The dealer will charge a little more, but the replacement will be cheaper.
Mechanical
The loss of your car keys can be a hassle and costly, especially if you use a remote. Finding a replacement key could cost from $25 to $450, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. The price of a key can be affected by the type of key that you have and the dealer from whom you purchase it.
You can get locksmiths to change the keys to your car or could visit a dealership to purchase a brand new one. Both options have different costs, but the dealer option is typically the most expensive. Locksmiths typically cut and program a traditional key which is not a fob.
Modern car keys include an electronic chip that connects with your vehicle whenever you use it to unlock or start the engine. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and cost more to replace. A basic transponder will cost around $150. A laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate, will cost about $200.
If you have an advanced key, for instance an e-key in a key fob or a smart key, you will need to go to the dealership for the replacement. The majority of locksmiths do not have the tools to duplicate these kinds of keys, so you will need to order them by the dealer. This can take several days, and you won't be able use your vehicle until the keys arrive.
The best method to avoid the cost of losing your car keys is to prevent them from getting lost in the first place. Keep a spare in your purse or glove box and utilizing a tracking device for your keys.
If you do lose your car keys, make sure to call the police as quickly as you can. Do not try to gain entry into the car, as this could lead to an insurance claim, or even a theft claim. Also breaking windows or hanging wire can cause alarms to insurance companies and make it more difficult to convince them that you are the legitimate owner of the car.
Dealership
A majority of people have lost their keys at some time. Whether they slipped into another dimension or the cat flushed them down the toilet Losing your keys is always a hassle. Replacing keys can be expensive.
The cost of replacing a key can vary depending on the type of vehicle you own and the type of key you own. Locksmiths and third-party workshop can easily duplicate keys made of metal. However, many modern vehicles come with a transponder key that must be programmed by the dealer in order to work.
Dealers charge between $500 to $1,000 to replace and reprogram these keys. A comprehensive replacement key program will help you cut costs. These programs charge a monthly fee which includes replacement of keys eligible for replacement and remote transponders (but not valet keys) if they are damaged or lost. Some even provide one eligible key replacement per year, at no cost.
Most of these programs are offered at auto dealers, who often offer them as an extra addition to their bumper-to-bumper or extended warranty coverage. You may also locate them through reputable companies that specialize in roadside assistance.
You'll have to take your vehicle to the dealer to exchange a lost transponder or all-in-one key. The dealership must purchase the key and then pair it with your car, a process which can take a couple of days.
To avoid having to pay auto replacement key to replace the key, ensure you keep a spare key in the back of your hand. In case you lose the VIN it's a good idea to record it. You can find the VIN on your car's documentation and dashboard, or on the door jamb. You can also contact the manufacturer of your vehicle or an GEICO agent for help finding the VIN. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you to tow your car to a reputable repair shop. 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 is important to know the price before you lose your keys. You can expect to pay lots of money if you go through a dealership, however it's also possible to find affordable solutions through third-party suppliers.
It's a smart idea to create an additional key and keep it in a safe place should you be worried about losing yours. You can use an independent locksmith or dealership to do this, however you'll probably have to wait until the work is completed. key replacements for cars offer a 24 hour emergency service, but it is more costly.
The cost of replacing a car key can vary according to the type of vehicle you own and the features. A standard key made of metal can be duplicated at an hardware store for less than $10, however a transponder, or "smart" key that connects to the car through radio transmitters costs considerably more. If your car was manufactured in the past decade, it could have an old key fob that needs to be reprogrammed in order to work with your vehicle.
Many locksmiths are equipped to cut car keys, but not all carry the blanks required for each model and make. And not all of them have the tools to program a new car key, specifically for high-end models that use key codes that are specialized.
Another aspect that affects the cost of car key replacement is the time of day you require the key. Most locksmiths operate during regular hours, which means you'll have to be charged more if you require the key in an emergency outside of these times. The place of your residence can affect the cost of replacing a car key. You'll pay more if your home is in a remote area.
In some cases the replacement of your car key may be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance company to find out what coverage you have. In some cases the cost of replacement might be covered under the vehicle's warranty and/or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
The term roadside assist refers to the assistance provided by the Department Transportation, automobile associations, or car insurance companies for motorcyclists and motorists on the sidelines of the highway. This kind of assistance is provided by departments of transportation or automobile associations, as well as insurance companies for vehicles. The company will send an employee to look over the vehicle or motorcycle and determine if any repairs are needed. The company might charge for a new key, if needed.
Having the ability to duplicate your car keys is important. This is usually done professionally, either in a locksmith shop or with an instrument for key duplication. The methods used to duplicate old mechanical keys do not work with modern keys with technology built in. They include a transponder inside the head of the key, which communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it's a legitimate key. These kinds of keys are very difficult to duplicate, and are usually only made at the dealership or by an authorized automotive locksmith.
The first thing you should do if your car key fob is not functioning properly is to replace the batteries. The process is relatively simple and straightforward and most hardware stores will sell the required batteries for less than $10. If you're unable to find the correct battery, dealers or auto specialists may be able to provide one for free.
A lost or stolen key can cause a lot of problem, particularly if you're stuck on the side of the highway. Many people try to solve the issue themselves by copying the key using an instrument for cutting keys or using an image file. These methods are not compatible with modern car keys, however. They require precise programming and copying by a qualified expert like a technician, locksmith or car dealership professional.
Car dealerships offer the lowest costs for replacing a key, but also charge the highest fees. It is important to check with your insurance company to determine if they cover the cost of replacing the car key.