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 most affordable solution. However, the best method is to reach out to your dealer if you have one. A replacement from the dealer is a bit more expensive, but it's usually the most affordable. Technician Losing keys to your car is an emotional experience, and when you have an remote key fob it can be expensive. The cost of a replacement key may cost between $25 and $450, based on the model and make of your car. The type of key you own and the dealer you choose to purchase it from, can impact the price of your key. You can either hire a locksmith or go to the dealership for your car to purchase an entirely new key. Both alternatives are different, but the dealer option is typically the most expensive. Locksmiths are usually able to cut and program a traditional key which isn't a fob. Modern car keys include a chip that links up with your vehicle whenever you use it to unlock or start the engine. They require a more involved process to copy and will cost more to replace. A basic transponder keys will cost around $150, whereas a laser-cut version that is harder to duplicate will run around $200. If you need a replacement for a more advanced key, such as a switchblade inside the form of a key fob, or a smartkey, you'll need go to a dealer. The majority of locksmiths do not have the tools to replicate these types of keys, so you'll need to have them ordered by the dealer. It could take several days, and you will not be able use your vehicle until the keys arrive. Making sure your keys aren't lost is the best way to avoid extra costs. Keep a spare key in your pocket or in the glove box, and consider using a tracking device to locate your keys. If you do lose your car keys, be sure to notify the police as quickly as you can. 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 can cause alarms to insurance companies and make it difficult to convince them that you're a legitimate owner of the car. Dealership Most people have lost their keys to their car at some point or another. Losing your keys could be a real pain in the event that they were lost to another dimension or were flushed into the toilet by the cat. Replacing your keys can be costly. The cost of replacing a key at a dealership can vary depending on the kind of key you own and your vehicle model. Locksmiths and third-party workshops can easily duplicate keys made of metal. However, many modern vehicles come with a transponder keys that must be programmed by the dealer to work. Dealers can charge anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to replace and reprogram these keys. Although that might seem costly but you can cut down on cost by signing up for a comprehensive key replacement program. These programs charge an annual fee that includes replacement of eligible keys and remote transponders (but not valet keys) when they are damaged or lost. Some programs offer the possibility of a free key replacement each year. These programs are often offered by auto dealers as an extra service to their bumper-tobumper warranty or extended warranty. They can also be found at reputable roadside assistance firms. If you lose a transponder or an all-in-one laser-cut key then you'll have to have your vehicle town to the dealership in order to get it replaced. They will have to order the new key, and then pair it with your vehicle in a process that can take days to complete. Keep an extra key in your bag to save yourself the cost of a replacement. In case you lose the VIN, it is recommended to note it down. The VIN can be located on your vehicle's documentation, the dashboard or the door jamb. If you prefer, you can contact your car's manufacturer or a GEICO agent for help finding it. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you tow your vehicle to a qualified repair shop. cost of replacement car key to sign up and accessible through the GEICO mobile app. Independent Locksmith Many people aren't ready for the expense of replacing a car key. Before you lose your keys, you need to be aware of the price. It is possible to spend lots of money through a dealership, but it's possible to find low-cost solutions through third-party providers. It's a good idea create a second key and keep it in a safe place if you're concerned about losing yours. You can employ an independent locksmith or a dealership to do this, but you'll likely need to wait until the process is completed. Some locksmiths offer a 24 hour service, but it can be expensive. The cost to replace a car key can vary dependent on the kind of car you own and the features. A basic metal key is typically available at your local hardware store for less than $10. However a transponder key, also known as a smart key that connects to the car via radio transmitter will cost significantly more. If your car was built in the last decade or so, it likely has an ignition key fob that needs to be programmed to work with your car. Many locksmiths are equipped to cut keys for cars but not all carry the required blanks for each model and make. Some locksmiths do not have the necessary technology to program a car key. This is particularly applicable to high-end models that come with specialized keys. Another factor in the cost of replacing your car keys is the time of day you require the key. You'll be charged more for an emergency key if it is outside the normal hours of many locksmiths. Finally, the location where you reside can impact the cost of a vehicle key replacement as well. You'll probably pay more if you're in an area that is remote. In some cases the replacement of your car key may be covered by insurance. Contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage you are entitled to. In some instances the cost of replacing could be covered by the warranty on your vehicle and/or roadside assistance. Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance refers to the assistance provided by the Department of Transportation, automobile associations, or insurance companies for motorcyclists and motorists on the sidelines of the highway. This kind of assistance is provided by transportation departments or automobile associations, as well as vehicle insurance providers. The company will send an employee to examine the motorcycle or vehicle and determine if repairs are needed. If the need for a replacement key arises and the company is able to charge a fee for the supply of one. It is important to duplicate your car keys. This is usually done professionally whether in a locksmith shop or by using an instrument for key duplication. However, the methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys don't work for modern keys with technology built into the keys. These keys have a transponder built into the head of the key that communicates with your car to confirm that it's a legitimate key. They are difficult to duplicate and are generally only made by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. If you're having issues with the key fob in your car the first step is to replace the battery. The procedure is fairly quick and easy and the majority of hardware stores sell the necessary batteries for less than $10. Some auto specialists and dealers may be able to offer the battery for free if you are unable to locate the correct battery. A stolen or lost car key can be a big issue, especially when you're stuck on the side of the road. Many people attempt to solve the problem by copying a car key using a key-cutting machine or file. These methods will not work with modern car keys, however, and most of them require precision programming and copying by a qualified expert, such as a locksmith, a car dealership professional or a mechanic. In the majority of cases, auto dealerships offer the most affordable rates for replacing keys to cars, however they also have some of the highest service fees. Contact your insurance company to see if the cost of replacing a key is covered.
cost of replacement car key
