How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you lose your car keys there are several options to replace it. Locksmiths are the cheapest solution.
If you have a dealership, it is best to contact them. Getting a replacement through the dealer can be more expensive, but it's the most affordable.
Mechanical
The loss of your car keys can be a hassle and costly particularly if you are using a remote. Finding a replacement key could cost from $25 to $450, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The cost of a new key can be affected by the type of key that you have and the dealer from whom you purchase it.
You can either hire a locksmith or visit the car dealership to purchase new keys. Both choices are different, however the dealer option is typically the most expensive. If you have a conventional key that is not a key fob, you can typically find a locksmith that can cut and program it for around $50.
Modern car keys include a chip which connects to your vehicle whenever you use them to unlock or start it. They require a more involved process to copy and will cost more to replace. A basic transponder costs about $150. A laser-cut version which is more difficult to duplicate, will cost you about $200.
If you require a replacement for a more sophisticated key, such as a switchblade in a key fob, or a smartkey, you'll have go to a dealer. Locksmiths generally do not have the tools to duplicate these kinds of keys, so you'll need to have them ordered from a dealer. It could take a couple of days and you will not be able to access your vehicle until they arrive.
The best way to avoid the extra expense of losing your car keys is to stop them from being lost in the first place. Keep a spare key in your purse or glove box and utilizing the device to track your keys.
Call the police immediately if have lost your car keys. Do not try to gain entry into the car, as this could result in an insurance claim or even a theft claim. Also breaking windows or using wire hangers could cause alarms to insurance companies and make it difficult to convince them that you are a legitimate owner of the vehicle.
Dealership
Many people have lost their keys to their car at one point or another. If they fell into another dimension or your cat flushed them in the toilet Losing your keys is always a hassle. Replacing your keys can be expensive.
The cost of replacing a key at the dealer can differ based on the kind of key you own and the vehicle model. Typically, regular keys made of metal can be duplicated at locksmiths or third-party workshops however, most modern vehicles have specialized transponder keys that need to be programmed by a dealer to function properly.
Dealers may charge anything from $500 to $1,000 to replace and reprogram these keys. While that may seem expensive however, you can lower the costs by signing up for a comprehensive key replacement program. These programs provide an annual fee that includes replacement of eligible keys and remote transponders (but not valet keys) when they are lost or damaged. Some programs offer the possibility of a free key replacement each year.
These programs are typically offered by auto dealers as an extra service to their bumper-to-bumper warranty or extended warranty. They can also be found in reputable roadside assistance businesses.
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 town to the dealer to have them replace it. They'll need to purchase the new key and then join it to your vehicle in a process that can take days to complete.
Keep a spare key handy to avoid paying the full price of a replacement. If you lose the VIN, it is recommended to record it. You can find the VIN on the car's paperwork and dashboard, or on the door jamb. You can also call the car's manufacturer or a GEICO representative for assistance. GEICO Roadside Assistance can tow your vehicle to a reputable repair facility. The GEICO app provides this service for free.
Independent Locksmith
Car key replacement is a major cost that many people aren't prepared for. It is important to know what the cost is before you lose your keys. You can expect to pay an enormous amount of money if you go through the dealership, but it is also possible to find low-cost solutions through third-party suppliers.
It's a good idea to make an extra key and store it in a secure place if you're concerned about losing yours. It's possible to do this using an independent locksmith or dealership, but you'll need to wait for the service to be completed. Some locksmiths offer a 24 hour service, but it could be costly.
The cost to replace the car key may vary according to the kind of car you own and its features. A basic metal key is typically sold at a local hardware store for under $10. However the transponder key or "smart key" that connects to the car via radio transmitters is more expensive. If your car was made within the last decade, it may have an old key fob that needs to be programmed with your vehicle.
While many locksmiths have the tools to cut the car key but not all carry the necessary blanks for each make and model. They also don't all have the tools to program a brand new car key, especially for high-end models that use specialized keys.
Another factor that influences the cost of replacing a car key is the time of day you require the key. You'll be charged more for a emergency key if it is outside the normal hours of many locksmiths. The location of your home could influence the cost of replacing a car key. You'll likely pay more for an area that is not well-connected.
In certain instances the replacement of your car key may be covered by insurance. Check with car keys replacements to find out what coverage you have. In some cases, the cost of replacement may be covered by the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
The term roadside assist refers to the services that are offered by the Department of Transportation automobile associations, the Department of Transportation, or insurance companies for motorcyclists and motorists on the roadside. This service is provided by the automobile associations, transportation departments or car insurance companies. The employees of the company will respond to the call and check the vehicle or motorcycle to determine what repairs are required to be completed. If a replacement key is needed the company could charge a fee for the supply of one.
Having the ability to duplicate the keys to your car is essential. This process is usually done by a professional at a locksmith's store or with the key duplication machine. However, the methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys aren't suitable for modern keys with technology built into them. These keys have an electronic transponder inside the head that communicates with the car to confirm that it is a valid key. These keys are harder to duplicate and are typically only made by a dealership or licensed locksmith.
The first thing you should do when your car key fob isn't functioning properly is to replace the batteries. 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 unable to find the correct battery, dealers or auto specialists might be able to supply one for free.
A stolen or lost car key can be a major issue, especially when you're stranded on the side of the road. Many people try to fix the problem by copying a car key with a key-cutting machine or a file. These methods will not work with modern car keys however, and many of them require precision programming and copying by a certified expert like a locksmith, an expert from a dealership or a mechanic.
Car dealerships offer the lowest costs for replacing a key, but also charge some of the most expensive fees. Contact your insurance company to determine whether the cost of replacing keys is covered.