How to Avoid Expensive Replacement Car Key Costs
It's not a pleasant experience to lose or lose your car keys. However, it can cost a lot to replace them.
The cost of a brand new key can vary greatly depending on the type of key, the location it is manufactured and the method by which it is replaced. Below are some of the major elements that determine the cost of a replacement car key.
Model and Make of Your Vehicle
Not long ago, misplacing or losing your car key was not an issue. You could buy a simple metal key from your local hardware store for a few dollars. Nowadays, automobiles are more advanced in technology and so are keys. This makes it harder for thieves to steal vehicles however, it also increases the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key.
One of the biggest factors that affects the cost of a replacement car key is the brand and model of your vehicle. Certain manufacturers produce more intricate keys that are high-tech than others. This means they'll be more difficult to replicate or create a new key. Some key fob features may not be available at all auto shops or locksmiths, so you will have go to the dealer purchase the features you need.
There are many types of car keys, and each one comes with distinct costs when it comes to getting a new one. For example, some vehicles use a switchblade key that folds up into the fob, similar to a standard house key. The keys can cost upwards of $125, whereas basic chips are usually less.
Another important factor that affects the price of a brand new key is how secure it is. Many modern keys are equipped with anti-theft features to prevent them from being copied. These features include a tiny remote control, a microchip within the key and a code that is encrypted that prevents it from being read by computers.
Smart keys that can open doors and start engines are the most secure. These keys can be cloned at some auto and locksmith shops however, most dealerships require you to bring the original key with you to match it to your vehicle. It can be expensive but it's a safe way to ensure your vehicle won't be taken by a criminal.
The Location
The replacement of a car key is not an enjoyable experience. It's a hassle and can cost a lot. However, you can cut down on some of the costs by knowing what it will cost prior to when you visit the shop or call for assistance at the roadside. You can get the most accurate estimate when you have a clear idea of what type of car key you need and how old it could be, and the amount of money you're willing to spend.
The location where you live is a major aspect in the cost of replacing your car key. If you live in an area that is rural for instance, there may be fewer locksmiths to pick from and prices will be higher as a result. If you reside in a city, you will have many locksmiths to choose from and you will be able to find a good deal on the replacement of your car keys.
Take into consideration the time of year you are changing your keys. auto locksmith car key replacement to the high demand the prices will rise in the summer. You can save money by waiting to replace your transponder or basic key until after the off-season.
As car technology has developed as have the keys to cars. They are no longer just metal pieces. They are miniature electronic devices that have batteries and circuitry. Car keys with chips inside could cost between $220 and $350 to replace, depending on the kind of key you have as well as the overall key cutting cost, expenses related to a locksmith's visit or towing, and the programming cost.
You can also find less expensive keys for cars online or in some hardware stores. However, they might not be compatible with your car or at work. If you're looking for a way to replace your car keys more affordably and quickly than through dealers, give us a call today. We will be happy to assist you! Our locksmiths have years of training and years of experience. We make use of the most modern technology to offer you rapid and efficient service.
The Make and Model of the Key
In contrast to the days when you could walk into an hardware store and find duplicate keys made for pennies, today's modern cars use electronic components in their keys to do everything from unlock the doors to disable the car's immobilizer. This means that if you ever lose your keys to your car, or just want to make an extra set, it can be a costly process.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce some of the expenses when you're in need of new car keys. The first step is to be aware of the various kinds of car keys and how they are priced. The next step is to know what factors can increase the total cost of having a replacement key made.
One of the biggest factors that determines the amount it will cost you to purchase a new car key is the type and model of the vehicle. Each manufacturer has their distinct key design. Many of them have advanced security features. The more complicated the key, the greater cost you'll pay.
Some of the latest models have remote transmitters, referred to as key fobs, that require a code to pair them with your car. This type of key can be quite costly to replace, particularly in the event that you have to visit a dealership or auto locksmith for help.
The type of key you have will also determine how expensive it will be to create a duplicate set. If you have a traditional metal key, it will be much cheaper to make a duplicate than if you own one-of-a-kind laser-cut keys. A laser-cut car key includes circuitry that needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. The price of a new key will depend on the kind you own.
Finally, you should think about whether or not you have any type of coverage for losing or damaging your keys. Certain insurance companies offer a program that will pay for the replacement of keys to damaged or lost car keys up to a certain amount. This is an excellent option to consider when you have children living in your home, or if your car has been stolen.
Security Features
When it comes to cars there are plenty of things that could be wrong. It is important to plan ahead and have a replacement key in place before something goes wrong. A comprehensive plan for key replacement will cover a variety of keys and fobs, so you don't have to worry about cost.
One of the main factors that can impact replacement car key costs is the kind of car you drive. The keys for newer vehicles can be more expensive because of the advanced technology. Certain push-to-start vehicles have key fobs that require pairing with a computer. This process can be lengthy and costly, and requires a professional to do it correctly.
Certain models are more modern and have security features that make it harder to rob keys. For instance, some models have key fobs that lock the doors of the car if altered or have mirror folding capabilities. Key fobs that are programmed by dealers and require a more intricate process. They may be more expensive to replace.
Certain vehicles of recent years include key fobs that are equipped with anti-theft features. They disable the engine in case the key is stolen or if it has been broken off within the ignition. They can also be more expensive to replace because they have to be connected to the vehicle using special computer software that only a dealer can access.
Some keys are now produced with a switchblade style that is encased in plastic. They cost more because they require a cutting tool. Some automotive locksmiths can replace keys on-site if you provide them with the details of the key, like the model and year, and proof of ownership (such as your registration or title).
All of these factors can add to having a new key to your car. That's why it's important for motorists to have a good car key replacement program in place to ensure that they don't end up paying hundreds of dollars in replacement costs if they lose their keys or have to duplicate them.