How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
There are several options available for those who lose their car keys. Locksmiths are the most affordable solution.
The best option is to reach out to your dealer if you have one. The dealer will charge a little more but the replacement will be cheaper.
Technician
The loss of your car keys can be stressful and expensive especially if you have remote. A replacement key can range from $25 to $450 depending on the model and make. The cost of a new key will be influenced by the type of key that you have and the dealer who sells it.
You can get locksmiths to replace your car keys, or you can visit a car dealership to purchase a brand new one. Both options are different, but the dealer option is typically the most expensive. If you own a traditional key that's not a key fob, you'll usually find a locksmith who can cut and program it for about $50.
Modern car keys include a chip which 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 costs about $150. A laser-cut version, which is more difficult to duplicate, will cost around $200.
If you need an alternative to a more sophisticated key, such as the switchblade on a key fob or a smartkey, you'll need to go to the dealer. Most locksmiths do not have the equipment necessary to duplicate these keys. You'll have to purchase them from a dealer. This can take several days and you won't be allowed to drive your vehicle until the key arrives.
The best way to avoid the extra cost of losing your car keys is to avoid them from being lost in the first place. Consider keeping a spare in your purse or glove box, and using the device to track your keys.
If you do lose your car keys, be sure to notify the police as soon as possible. Do not try to force entry into the car, since this could lead to an insurance claim, or even a theft claim. Insurance companies can also be suspicious if you break windows or use wire hangers. It is more difficult to convince them that the vehicle is yours.
Dealership
A majority of people have lost their keys at some time or another. Losing your keys could be a real pain, whether they fell into another dimension or were flushed down the toilet by your cat. Replacing keys can be expensive.
The cost of replacing keys can differ based on the model of your vehicle and the type of key that you own. Typically, regular keys made of metal are easy to duplicate at locksmiths or workshops of third-party companies, but most modern vehicles have specialized transponder keys that need to be programmed by a dealer to work properly.
For those types of keys, the dealer will charge anywhere from $500 to $1000 to replace and reprogram. While this may sound expensive however, you can lower the costs by signing up for an extensive key replacement program. These programs provide a monthly cost that includes replacement of eligible keys and remote transponders (but not valet keys) if they are lost or damaged. Some even provide one eligible key replacement per year for no additional cost.
These programs are often provided by car dealers as an additional service to their bumper-tobumper or extended warranty. You may also find them through reputable companies that specialize in providing roadside assistance.
You'll need to take your vehicle to a dealer to get a replacement transponder or an all-in-one key. The dealership must order the key and pair it with your car, a process which can take several days.
To avoid having to pay the full amount for a new key, be sure to keep a spare key in the back of your hand. Also, you should note the VIN number in the event that you lose it. You can locate the VIN on your car's paperwork or on the dashboard or door jamb. You can also contact the car's manufacturer or a GEICO representative to get assistance. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you to tow your car to a reputable repair shop. The GEICO app offers this service for no cost.
Independent Locksmith
Car key replacement is a significant cost that many people aren't prepared for. It's important to understand the price before you lose your keys. You can expect to spend a lot if you use the dealership. However, third-party providers may offer affordable solutions.
It's a good idea to make an extra key and store it in a secure place should you be worried about losing yours. You can use an independent locksmith or a dealership to do this, however you'll likely need to wait until the work is completed. Some companies provide a 24-hour service, but it could be expensive.
The cost of car key replacement will vary depending on the type of car you have and the features it comes with. A standard metal key is usually sold at a local hardware store for less than $10. However, a transponder key or "smart key" that connects to your car via radio transmitters is more expensive. If your car was built in the past decade, it could have a key fob that needs to be programmed with your car.
Many locksmiths are equipped to cut car keys, but not all carry the necessary blanks for each model and make. They also don't all have the tools to program a brand new car key, especially for high-end models that have key codes that are specialized.
Another aspect that affects the cost of replacing your car keys is the time of day that you need the key. Most locksmiths operate during regular hours, which means that you'll pay more for the key in an emergency outside of these times. The location in which you reside can impact the cost of a vehicle key replacement too. You'll likely pay more if you live in a remote area.
In some cases the replacement of your car key may be covered by insurance. Contact replacement car key to determine if you're covered. In some cases, the cost of replacement could be covered by the vehicle's warranty and/or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance refers to the assistance offered by the Department of Transportation, automobile associations, or insurance companies for motorists and motorcyclists stuck on the roadside. This service is provided by car associations, transportation departments or car insurance companies. The company's employees will respond to the call and check the vehicle or motorbike to determine the type of repairs that need to be made. The company may charge for a new key if one is required.
Having the ability to duplicate your car keys is important. This is usually done professionally, either in a locksmith shop or by using a key duplication device. The methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys are not compatible with modern keys that have technology built-in. These keys have a transponder in the key head that communicates with the car to verify that it is a valid key. These keys are harder to duplicate and are typically only created by a dealership or a licensed locksmith.
The first thing you need to do if your car key fob isn't working properly is to replace the batteries. The majority of hardware stores have the batteries needed for less than $10. If you're unable to find the right battery, auto specialists or dealers may be able provide one at no cost.
A lost or stolen key can be a major problem, particularly if you're stuck on the side of the highway. Many people try to solve the problem on their own by trying to copy a key with the aid of a key cutting machine or using the file. These methods aren't compatible with modern car keys, however, and the majority of them require precise programming and copying by a qualified expert, like a locksmith, an expert from a dealership or a mechanic.
In most cases, car dealerships have the best rates for replacing a car key, but they also have some of the highest service fees. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see whether they will cover the cost of replacing the car key.