How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you lose the car key there are several alternatives to replace it. Locksmiths are the most affordable solution.
However, the best method is to contact your dealership for a replacement if you have one. The dealer will cost a bit more, but the replacement is usually cheaper.
Mechanical
Losing keys to your car is an emotional experience, and If you own a remote key fob it could be costly. The cost of a replacement key ranges from $25 to $450, based on the car's make and model. The type of key you have as well as the dealer you select to purchase it from can impact the price of your key.
You can either hire a locksmith or visit the dealership for your car to purchase an entirely new key. Both options come with different costs and the dealer option is typically the most expensive. Locksmiths are usually able to cut and program a traditional key which is not an fob.
Modern car keys have an electronic chip that connects to your vehicle when you use them to unlock it or start it. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and will cost more to replace. A basic transponder costs about $150. A laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate, will cost around $200.
If you require an replacement for a sophisticated key, such as a switchblade inside a key fob or a smartkey, you'll need to go to the dealer. Locksmiths generally do not have the equipment to duplicate these kinds of keys, so you will need to order them by the dealer. This can take several days and you will not be allowed to drive your vehicle until the key is delivered.
The best method to avoid the expense of losing your car keys is to prevent them from getting lost in the first place. Consider keeping a spare in your glove box and utilizing an electronic device to track your keys.
Call the police immediately if lose your car keys. Do not try to force entry into the car, since this could result in an insurance claim or even a theft claim. Insurance companies are also concerned if you break windows or hang wires. It is difficult to convince them that the vehicle belongs to you.
Dealership
Many people have lost their car keys at one point or another. It doesn't matter if they fell into a different dimension or your cat flushed them down the toilet Losing your keys is always a hassle. Replacing your keys can be expensive.
The cost of replacing a key at the dealership will vary based on the kind of key you own and your vehicle model. Typically, regular keys made of metal can be duplicated at locksmiths or other third-party workshops, but most modern vehicles come with specialized transponder keys that need to be programmed by a dealer in order to work correctly.
For those types of keys, dealers can charge between $500 to $1000 to replace and reprogram. While this may sound expensive however, you can lower the costs by signing up to a comprehensive key replacement program. These programs charge a monthly fee that covers replacement of eligible key and remote transponders however, not keys for valet, if they're lost or damaged. Some even offer one qualifying key replacement per year at no cost.
Most of these programs are available at auto dealers, who often offer them as an extra add-on to their bumper-to-bumper or extended warranty coverage. You might also find 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 dealer for them to replace it. They'll need to purchase the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. This process can take days to complete.
Keep an extra key in your bag to keep from paying the full cost of replacing it. It is also important to note down the VIN number in case you lose it. You can find the VIN on your car's paperwork, dashboard or door jamb. If you prefer, you can contact the manufacturer of your car or an GEICO agent to assist in finding the VIN. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you tow your vehicle to a qualified repair shop. The GEICO app provides this service for free.
Independent Locksmith
Key replacement for cars is a major cost that many people aren't prepared for. If you lose your keys, you need to know the cost. You can anticipate to pay a lot if you use the dealership. However, third-party providers may offer affordable solutions.
If you're concerned about losing your car keys, it's recommended to create a spare one and keep it in a safe place. You can use an independent locksmith or a dealership to do this, but you'll probably have to wait until the work is completed. Some companies offer a 24-hour service, but it could be expensive.
The cost to replace the car key may vary dependent on the kind of car you own and its features. vehicle key replacement made of metal can usually be copied at an 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 within the last decade, it could have a key fob that needs to be reprogrammed to work with your car.
While a lot of locksmiths have equipment to cut keys for cars but not all have the appropriate blanks for every make and model. And not all of them have the technology to program a brand new car key, specifically for high-end models that use special keys.
The time of day that you need the car key is another aspect that influences the cost. Most locksmiths have regular working hours, which means you'll have to be charged more if you require the key in an emergency situation outside of these times. The location of your home can influence the cost of a replacement car key. You'll probably pay more for an area that is not well-connected.
Insurance can pay for the replacement of keys to your car in certain circumstances. Check with your insurance provider to find out if you're covered. In other instances the replacement cost could be covered by the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance add-ons.
Roadside Assistance
The term roadside assistance refers to services that help motorists or motorcyclists stuck on the side of the road. This service is offered by the automobile associations, transportation departments or vehicle insurance companies. The company will send a representative to look over the vehicle or motorcycle and determine if any repairs are required. The company may charge for a replacement key if it is needed.
It is crucial to be able to duplicate the car key. This is usually done professionally, whether in a locksmith shop or with an instrument for key duplication. The methods used to duplicate old mechanical keys are not compatible with modern keys with technology built into. These keys have transponders in the head that communicates with the car to verify that it's a valid key. These keys are harder to duplicate and are usually only done by a dealership or licensed locksmith.
If you're experiencing a problem with your car's key fob, the first step is to replace the battery. The majority of hardware stores have the batteries needed for less than $10. Some dealers and auto specialists might be able to provide the battery for free when you're unable find the right one.
A stolen or lost car key can be a big problem, especially if you're stranded at the side of the road. Many people attempt to fix the issue by copying a car key using a key cutting machine or file. These methods aren't compatible with modern car keys, however, and most of them require precision copying and programming by a qualified expert, such as a locksmith a professional from a car dealership or a mechanic.
In most cases, car dealerships offer the most affordable rates for replacing a car key, but they also have some of the highest service fees. Check with your insurance company to find out whether the cost of replacing keys is covered.