How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
There are many options if you lose your car keys. The cheapest alternative is to hire an locksmith.
The best option is to contact your dealership for a replacement if you have one. Getting a replacement through the dealer can be more expensive, but it's the cheapest.
Technician
Losing your car key can be a stressful and costly experience especially if you have a remote. Finding a replacement key could cost anywhere from $25 to $450, based on the make and model of your car. The cost of a key is influenced by the type of key you own and the dealer from whom you purchase it.
You can either employ a locksmith or go to the dealership for your car to purchase a new key. Both alternatives are different, but the dealer option is usually the most expensive. If you have a conventional key that's not a key fob, you can typically find a locksmith that can cut and program it for $50.
Modern car keys have an electronic chip that connects with your vehicle when you use it to lock or start the engine. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and cost more to replace. A basic transponder will cost you about $150. A laser-cut version which is more difficult to duplicate, will cost you around $200.
If you have an advanced key, for instance a switchblade key in a key fob, or a smart key, you will need to visit a dealer to purchase the replacement. The majority of locksmiths do not have the tools to replicate these types of keys, so you'll need to have them ordered by the dealer. This can take a few days, and you will not be able to use your vehicle until the keys arrive.
Preventing your keys from becoming lost is the best way to avoid additional costs. Consider keeping a spare in your glove box, and using an electronic device to track your keys.
Call the police immediately if you have lost your car keys. Don't try to gain entry into the car, as this could result in an insurance claim, or even a theft claim. Additionally, breaking windows or hanging wire can raise red flags with insurance companies and make it difficult to convince them that you are a legitimate owner of the car.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their keys to their car at one time or another. Whether they slipped into another dimension or the cat flushed them down the toilet Losing your keys is always a pain. Replacing them, however, will certainly put a dent in your budget.
The cost of replacing a key at the dealership will vary based on the type of key you've got and your vehicle model. Locksmiths and third-party workshops can easily duplicate regular keys made of metal. However, the majority of modern vehicles come with a transponder key 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. While that may seem expensive, you can reduce the cost by signing up for a comprehensive program for key replacement. These programs charge a monthly cost that covers the replacement of your key and remote transponders, but not keys for valet, when they're damaged or lost. Some even offer one qualifying key replacement per year for no cost.
These programs are typically offered by auto dealers as an extra service to their bumper-tobumper or extended warranty. They can also be found at reputable roadside assistance firms.
You'll have bring your vehicle to a dealer to exchange a lost transponder or an all-in-one key. They'll need to purchase the new key and pair it with your vehicle, a process that could take a few days to complete.
Keep a spare key on hand to keep from paying the full cost of the replacement. If you lose your VIN, it is a good idea to note it down. You can locate the VIN on the car's paperwork or on the dashboard or door jamb. You can also contact the car's manufacturer or an GEICO representative to get assistance. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you to tow your car to a qualified repair shop. The GEICO app provides this service for no cost.
Independent Locksmith
Replacement of car keys is a major cost that many people aren't prepared for. It's crucial to know 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 might offer solutions that are affordable.
If you're worried about losing your car keys, it's an excellent idea to create another one and store it in a safe place. It's possible to do this using an independent locksmith or dealership, but you'll likely have to wait for the service to be completed. Some companies offer a 24-hour service, but it can be expensive.
The cost of replacing your car's key can vary based on the type of car you have and the features it comes with. A standard key made of metal can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10, while a transponder or "smart" key that connects to the car through radio transmitters costs considerably more. If your car was built in the past decade, it might have a 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 necessary blanks for each make and model. Some locksmiths do not have the tools required to program the car key. This is especially applicable to high-end models that come with specific keys.
Another factor that influences the cost of replacing your car keys is the time of day that you require the key. You'll be charged more for a emergency key if it is outside the regular hours of a majority of locksmiths. Finally, the location where you live can affect the price of a car key replacement. It's likely to cost more if you live in a remote area.
Insurance can pay for the replacement of keys to your car in certain instances. Check with your insurer to see if you are covered. In some cases the cost of replacement may 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, the Department of Transportation, or insurance companies for motorcyclists and motorists on the sides of the highway. This type of service is offered by transportation departments, automobile associations, or vehicle insurance providers. The company's employees will respond to the request and examine the car or motorcycle to determine what repairs are required to be done. If vehicle key replacement require a replacement key, the company may charge a fee to supply one.
It is essential to be able to duplicate your car key. This is usually done professionally at a locksmith shop or by using the aid of a key duplication device. The methods used to duplicate old mechanical keys don't work with modern keys that have technology built into. These keys have a transponder in the key head that communicates with the car to verify that it is a genuine key. These types of keys are much harder to duplicate, and are typically only done at a dealership or by a licensed automotive locksmith.
The first thing you need to do if your car key fob is not functioning correctly is to replace the batteries. Most hardware stores sell the batteries required for less than $10. If you're not able to locate the correct battery, some dealers or auto experts might be able to supply one for free.
A stolen or lost 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 trying to duplicate the key using a key cutting machine or using the file. These methods will not work with modern car keys, however. Most of them require precise programming and copying by a certified expert such as a technician, locksmith or professional from a car dealership.
In most cases, car dealerships offer the most affordable rates for replacing keys to cars, however they also have some of the most expensive service charges. Check with your insurance provider to determine whether the cost of replacing a key is covered.