How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you have lost the car key there are several options to replace it. Locksmiths are the cheapest solution.
However, the best method is to call your dealer for a replacement if you have one. A replacement from the dealer may be more expensive, but it's usually the cheapest.
Mechanical
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience and when you have an electronic key fob that can be used as a remote it could be expensive. The cost of a replacement key ranges from $25 to $450 depending on the model and make. The type of key you own as well as the dealer you choose to get it from, will affect the cost of your key.
You can either hire a locksmith or go to the car dealership to purchase new keys. Both options come with different costs and the dealer option is typically the most expensive. If you have a traditional key that's not a key fob, you can typically locate a locksmith who will cut and program it for about $50.
Modern car keys contain chips that connect to your car when you use them to lock or start it. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are more to replace. A basic transponder will cost you around $150. A laser-cut version, which is more difficult to duplicate, will cost around $200.
If you own a more advanced key, for instance the switchblade key found in a key fob, or a smart key, you'll have to visit a dealer to purchase an alternative. Locksmiths generally do not have the tools to replicate these types of keys, so you will need to order them from a dealer. This could take a few days, and you will not be able to access your vehicle until they arrive.
Preventing your keys from becoming lost is the best way to avoid additional cost. Keep a spare key in your pocket or in the glove box, and consider using a tracking device to locate your keys.
Contact the police immediately if you have lost your car keys. Do not attempt to enter the car, as this could result in an insurance claim, or an accusation of theft. Additionally breaking windows or using wire hangers could cause alarms to insurance companies and make it harder to convince them that you are a legitimate owner of the car.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their car keys at one point or another. Losing your keys could be a real hassle regardless of whether they fell into another dimension or were flushed down the toilet by the cat. Replacing your keys can be costly.
The cost to replace keys can vary based on the model of your vehicle and the type of key you have. Locksmiths and third-party workshops can easily duplicate regular keys made of metal. However, many modern vehicles have a special transponder keys that need to be programmed by the dealer in order to work.
For those types of keys, dealers could charge anywhere from $500 to $1000 to replace and reprogram. While this may sound expensive, you can reduce the costs by signing up for a comprehensive program for key replacement. These programs charge a monthly cost which includes replacement of eligible key and remote transponders however, not valet keys if they're lost or damaged. Some programs provide the possibility of a free key replacement each year.
These programs are often provided by car dealers as an extra service to their bumper-tobumper warranty or extended warranty. You may also locate them through reputable companies that specialize in roadside assistance.
If you lose a transponder keys or an all-in-one laser-cut key then you'll have to have your vehicle towed to the dealership in order to get it replaced. The dealership will need to purchase the key and then pair it with your vehicle and this could take a couple of days.
To avoid paying the full amount for a new key, make sure to keep a spare key in the back of your hand. In case you lose the VIN, it is an excellent idea to note it down. The VIN can be located on the car's documentation, the dashboard or door jamb. You can also contact your car's manufacturer or an GEICO agent for help finding the VIN. GEICO Roadside Assistance can tow your car to a qualified repair facility. It's completely free to join and is available through the GEICO mobile application.
Independent Locksmith
The majority of people aren't prepared for the expense of replacing keys to their car. It's important to understand the price before you lose your keys. It is possible to pay an enormous amount if you go to the dealership. However, third-party providers may offer affordable solutions.
It's a good idea make an extra key and keep it in a safe place if you're concerned about losing yours. It's possible to do this using an independent locksmith or dealership, but you'll have to wait for the service to be completed. Some companies provide a 24-hour service, but it can be expensive.
The cost to replace the car key may vary dependent on the kind of car you own and its features. A standard metal key can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10, while a transponder or "smart" key that connects to the car via radio transmitters costs considerably more. If your car was made within the last decade, it may have keys that need to be reprogrammed to work with your vehicle.
While many locksmiths have tools to cut a car key however, not all have the appropriate blanks for each make and model. And not all of them have the technology to program a new car key, particularly for models with high-end features that require specialized keys.
Another factor in the cost of car key replacement is the time of day that you require the key. Locksmiths generally work during regular hours, which means that you'll pay more for the key in a crisis outside of these hours. Finally, the location where you live can affect the cost of a vehicle key replacement as well. You'll likely pay more if you're in an area that is not well-connected.
Insurance may pay for the replacement of a car key in some circumstances. Check with your insurance company to see the coverage you have. In automotive key replacement of replacing could be covered by the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance refers to the assistance provided by the Department Transportation automobile associations, the Department of Transportation, or vehicle insurance providers for motorists and motorcyclists stuck on the sides of the highway. This service is provided by car associations, transportation departments or insurance companies for vehicles. The company will send a representative 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 to supply one.
It is important to to duplicate the car key. This is typically done professionally either in a locksmith shop or by using the aid of a key duplication device. The methods employed to duplicate the older mechanical keys are not compatible with modern keys that have technology built-in. Keys with this type of technology have transponders in the head that communicates with the car in order to verify that it is a genuine key. These keys are harder to duplicate and are typically only made by a dealership or licensed locksmith.
If you're experiencing issues with the key fob in your car, the first step is to replace the battery. The process is relatively quick and easy and the majority of hardware stores have the needed batteries for less than $10. Some auto specialists and dealers might be able to provide a free battery if you are unable to locate the correct one.
A stolen or lost car key can be a big hassle, especially when you're stuck on the side of the road. Many people try to solve the problem themselves by trying to copy keys using a key cutting machine or by using the file. These methods won't work with modern car keys, however, and many of them require precision programming and copying by a qualified 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 some of the highest fees for service. Contact your insurance company to find out whether the cost of replacing a key is covered.