How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
There are many options if you lose your car keys. The cheapest option is to employ a locksmith.
However, the best method is to contact your dealership for a replacement if you have one. The dealer will charge a little more, but the replacement will be cheaper.
Technician
Losing your car key can be a stressful and costly experience especially if you have a remote. auto locksmith car key replacement of a replacement key may cost anywhere from $25 to $450, based on the model and make of your vehicle. The kind of key you have, as well as the dealer you select to purchase it from, will affect the cost of your key.
You can hire a locksmith to replace the keys to your car or can visit a car dealership for a new one. Both options are priced differently however the dealer option is typically the most expensive. If you have a traditional key that is not a key fob, you'll usually find a locksmith who can cut and program it for around $50.
Modern car keys have an electronic chip that connects to your vehicle whenever you use them to unlock or start it. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and will cost more to replace. A basic transponder will cost you about $150. A laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate, will cost you about $200.
If you have an 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 the replacement. Most locksmiths do not have the equipment necessary to duplicate these keys. You will have purchase them from the dealer. This could take a couple of days and you will not be able to drive your car until the key is delivered.
Making sure your keys aren't lost is the best way to avoid additional costs. Keep a spare key in your pocket or in your glove box, and think about using a tracking device to locate your keys.
Contact the police immediately if you have lost your car keys. Don't try to gain entry into the car, as this could lead to an insurance claim, or even a theft claim. Insurance companies can also be concerned in the event that you break windows or use wire hangers. It is difficult to convince them that the vehicle is yours.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their car keys at one time or another. The loss of keys can be a real pain, 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 differ based on the model of your vehicle and the type of key you have. Locksmiths and third-party workshop can easily duplicate regular keys made of metal. However, the majority of modern vehicles have specialized transponder keys 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. Although that might seem costly, you can reduce the costs by signing up to a comprehensive key replacement program. These programs charge a monthly fee that covers replacement of keys that are eligible and remote transponders and valet keys, when they're damaged or lost. Some programs offer the possibility of a free key replacement each year.
A majority of these programs are offered at dealerships, which often offer them as an extra option to their bumper-tobumper or extended warranty coverage. They can also be found at reputable roadside assistance companies.
If you lose a transponder key or an all-in-one laser-cut key and you're not able to replace it, you'll need your vehicle taken to the dealer to have them replace it. The dealership will have to purchase the key and then pair it to your vehicle this can take several days.
To avoid having to pay the full cost for a new key, be sure to keep a spare in your possession. If you lose the VIN, it is a good idea to note it down. You can find the VIN on your car's paperwork and dashboard, or on the door jamb. If you prefer, you can contact your car's manufacturer or an GEICO agent for assistance in finding it. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you towing your vehicle to a qualified repair shop. It's free to join and available on the GEICO mobile application.
Independent Locksmith
Car key replacement is a major expense that most people aren't prepared for. It's important to understand the cost before you lose your keys. It is possible to pay much if you go through the dealership. However, third-party suppliers may offer affordable solutions.
It's a smart idea to create a second key and store it safely if you're concerned about losing yours. You can use an independent locksmith or dealership to do this, however you'll likely need to wait until the service is completed. Some locksmiths offer a 24 hour service, but it could be costly.
The cost to replace a car key can vary depending on the type of vehicle you own and the features. A standard metal key is usually sold at a local hardware store for less than $10. However the transponder key or "smart key" that connects with the car through a radio transmitter is more expensive. If your car was built in the past decade, it might have an old key fob that needs to be reprogrammed in order to work with your car.
Many locksmiths are equipped to cut keys for cars, but not all carry the blanks required for each type and make. Some locksmiths do not have the technology necessary to program the car key. This is especially applicable to high-end models that come with specialized keys.
Another factor that influences the cost of replacing a car key is the time of day that you need 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 reside can impact the cost of a car key replacement as well. You'll pay more for replacement if your home is in a remote location.
Insurance might cover the cost of replacing keys to your car in certain cases. Contact your insurance company to find out if you're covered. In other situations, the replacement cost may be covered under the vehicle's warranty or roadside assistance add-ons.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance refers to the services provided by the Department Transportation, automobile associations, or insurance companies for motorists and motorcyclists stuck on the roadside. This kind of service is provided by departments of transportation or automobile associations, as well as insurance companies for vehicles. The company will send an employee to inspect the vehicle or motorcycle and determine if repairs are needed. The company could charge for a new key, if needed.
It is crucial to be able to duplicate the car key. This procedure is usually performed by a professional in a locksmith's shop, or using a key duplication machine. The methods used to duplicate old mechanical keys don't work with modern keys that have technology built-in. These keys include a transponder inside the key's head that communicates with your car to confirm it's a valid key. They are difficult to duplicate and are usually only created by a dealer or a licensed locksmith.
If you're having issues with your car's key fob, the first step is to replace the battery. The process is relatively quick and easy and the majority of hardware stores will sell the required batteries for less than $10. If you're not able to locate the correct battery, dealers or auto experts may be able provide one for free.
A lost or stolen key can be a huge hassle, especially if you're stuck on the side of the highway. Many people try to fix the issue by copying their car key using a key-cutting machine or a file. These methods won't work with modern car keys however, and the majority of them require precise copying and programming by a qualified expert, such as a locksmith an expert from a dealership, or mechanic.
In most cases, car dealerships have the best rates for replacing keys for cars, but they also have the most expensive service charges. Check with your insurance provider to see whether the cost of replacing a key is covered.