How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you lose the car key there are several alternatives to replace it. The cheapest alternative is to hire a locksmith.
If you own a dealership, it is best to contact them. The dealer will charge a little more, but the replacement will be cheaper.
Mechanical
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and costly experience particularly if you are using remote. Getting a replacement key can cost anywhere from $25 to $450, depending on the make and model of your car. The kind of key you have as well as the dealer you decide to purchase it from can impact the price of your key.
You can either employ a locksmith or visit the car dealership to purchase new keys. Both options have different costs and the dealer option is typically the most expensive. Locksmiths typically cut and program a traditional key which isn't a fob.
Modern car keys have an electronic chip that connects with your vehicle whenever you use it to lock or start the engine. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are more to replace. A basic transponder keys will cost around $150, while a laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate will cost around $200.
If you have a more advanced key, such as the switchblade key found in a key fob, or a smart key, you'll have to go to the dealership for the replacement. Most locksmiths do not have the tools required to duplicate these keys. You'll have to order them from a dealer. It could take a couple of 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 extra costs. Keep a spare in your glove box and using an electronic device to track your keys.
If you lose the keys to your car, be sure to call the police as soon as you can. It is not advisable to try to force entry into the car because this could lead to an insurance claim, or an accusation of theft. In addition, breaking windows or using wire hangers could cause alarms to insurance companies and make it harder to convince them that you're a legitimate owner of the car.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their keys at some time or another. It doesn't matter if they fell into another dimension or the cat flushed them in the toilet Losing your keys is a constant pain. Replacing your keys can be expensive.
The cost to replace keys can vary based on the type of vehicle you own and the type of key you have. Typically, regular keys made of metal are simple to duplicate at locksmiths or third-party workshops however, most modern vehicles come with specialized transponder keys that need to be programmed by a dealer in order to work properly.
Dealers can charge anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to replace and reprogram these keys. Signing up for a complete replacement program for keys can cut down on costs. These programs provide a monthly cost that includes replacement of keys eligible for replacement and remote transponders (but not valet keys) if they are damaged or lost. Some programs offer the possibility of a free key replacement each year.
These programs are usually offered by car dealers as an added benefit to their bumper-to-bumper warranty or extended warranty. You might also find them through reputable companies that specialize in providing roadside assistance.
You'll have to tow your vehicle to a dealer to exchange a lost transponder or an all-in-one key. The dealership will have to order the key and pair it with your car and this could take a few days.
Keep a spare key on hand to avoid paying the full price of the replacement. Also, you should note the VIN number in the event that you lose it. The VIN can be located on your vehicle's documentation, the dashboard or the door jamb. Alternatively, you can call the manufacturer of your car or an GEICO agent for assistance in finding the VIN. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you tow your vehicle to a certified repair shop. The GEICO app offers this service for no cost.
Independent Locksmith
Key replacement for cars is a significant expense that a lot of people aren't prepared for. It's crucial to know the cost before you lose your keys. You can anticipate to pay much if you go through the dealership. However, third-party companies might offer solutions that are affordable.
It's a good idea to make an extra key and keep it in a safe place should you be worried about losing yours. It's possible to do this using an independent locksmith or dealership, but you'll be waiting for the service to be completed. Some companies provide a 24-hour service, but it can be expensive.
The cost to replace keys for cars can differ according to the type of vehicle you own and the features. A standard metal key is usually available at your local hardware store for under $10. However, a transponder key or "smart key" that connects with the car through a radio transmitter will cost a lot more. If your car was made within the last decade, it may have an old key fob that needs to be reprogrammed in order to work with your vehicle.
Many locksmiths are equipped to cut keys for cars, but not all carry the blanks required for each make and model. Not all locksmiths have the technology necessary to program a car key. This is especially applicable to high-end models that come with specific keys.
Another factor that influences the cost of car key replacement is the time of day you require the key. You'll pay more for an emergency key that is not during the regular hours of most locksmiths. Additionally, the place in which you reside can impact the price of a car key replacement as well. It's likely to cost more for an area that is not well-connected.
In certain cases the replacement of your car key may be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider to determine if you're covered. In other instances, the replacement cost may be covered under the vehicle's warranty or roadside assistance extra add-ons.
Roadside Assistance
The term roadside assistance refers to the services that aid motorists or motorcyclists who are stuck on the side of the highway. This service is provided by automobile associations, transportation departments or insurance companies for vehicles. The company will send an employee to inspect the vehicle or motorcycle and determine if repairs are needed. If a replacement key is needed, the company may charge a fee to provide one.
It is crucial to be able duplicate your car keys. This is usually done professionally, at a locksmith shop or by using an instrument for key duplication. The methods employed to duplicate the older mechanical keys don't work with modern keys that have technology built into. These keys have an electronic transponder inside the head that communicates with the car in order to verify that it's a valid key. These keys are harder to duplicate and are generally only done by a dealer or a licensed locksmith.
If you're experiencing a problem with the key fob in your car the first step is to replace the battery. The procedure is fairly simple and straightforward and the majority of hardware stores have the needed batteries for less than $10. Some auto specialists and dealers may be able to offer a free battery in case you're unable to find the right one.
A lost or stolen car key can be a major hassle, especially when you're stuck on the side of the road. Many people try to fix the issue by copying their car key using a key cutting machine or file. These methods will not work with modern car keys, however, and most of them require precise programming and copying by a trained expert, like a locksmith, a car dealership professional or mechanic.
In the majority of cases, auto dealerships have the best rates for replacing a car key, but they also have some of the most expensive service charges. It's worth checking with your insurance provider to see whether they cover the cost of replacing the car key.