How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement?
If you've lost the car key, there are a few options for getting it replaced. The cheapest option is to use an locksmith.
However, the best method is to contact your dealership in case you own one. A replacement from the dealer can be more expensive, but it's the cheapest.
Technician
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and costly experience especially if you have a remote. A replacement key can range from $25 to $450 depending on the car's make and model. The cost of a key can be affected by the type of key you have as well as the dealer from whom you purchase it from.
You can either employ a locksmith or visit the car dealership to purchase a new key. Both options are priced differently and the dealer option is usually the most expensive. If you have a conventional key that's not a key fob, you can typically find a locksmith who can cut and program it for around $50.
Modern car keys contain a chip which 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 key is about $150, while the laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate will cost you about $200.
If you need an alternative to a more advanced key, such as a switchblade in a key fob or a smartkey, you'll have go to a dealer. The majority of locksmiths don't have the tools required to duplicate keys like these. You'll need purchase them from a dealer. This could take a couple of days, and you won't be in a position to drive until the key arrives.
The best method to avoid the expense of losing your car keys is to prevent them from getting lost in the first place. Keep a spare in your glove box and utilizing the device to track your keys.
Contact the police immediately if lose your car keys. It is not advisable to try to force entry into the car as this may lead to an insurance claim, or an insurance claim for theft. Insurance companies are also suspicious when you break windows or use wire hangers. It is more difficult to convince them that the vehicle is yours.
Dealership
The majority of people have lost their keys at some point. The loss of keys can be a real hassle, whether they fell into another dimension or were flushed down the toilet by your cat. Replacing them, however, can really put a dent in your budget.
The cost of replacing keys can differ based on your vehicle model and the type of key you own. Typically, metal keys are easy to duplicate at locksmiths or workshops of third-party companies, but most modern vehicles come with transponder keys with specialization that have to be programmed by a dealer in order to work properly.
For those types of keys, the dealer will charge anywhere from $500 to $1000 to replace and reprogram. By signing up for a comprehensive program for replacement keys can cut down on costs. These programs offer a monthly cost that includes replacement of eligible keys and remote transponders (but not valet keys) when they are lost or damaged. Some programs even provide one qualifying key replacement per year for no additional cost.
These programs are usually provided by car dealers as an added benefit to their bumper-tobumper warranty or extended warranty. You may also be able to locate them through reputable companies that specialize in roadside assistance.
If you lose a transponder keys or an all-in-one laser-cut key and you're not able to replace it, you'll need your vehicle town to the dealership in order to get it replaced. The dealership will need to order the key and pair it with your car, a process which can take several days.
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. The VIN can be located on the car's documentation, the dashboard or the door jamb. Alternatively, you can call the manufacturer of your vehicle or an GEICO agent for help finding it. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you to tow your car to a reputable repair shop. The GEICO app offers this service for free.
Independent Locksmith
Key replacement for cars is a big cost that many people aren't prepared for. It's important to understand the cost before you lose your keys. You could be charged a lot of money through a dealership, but it's possible to find low-cost solutions through third-party providers.
It's a good idea to create a second key and keep it in a safe place if you're concerned about losing yours. You can do this by using an independent locksmith or dealership, but you'll likely have to wait for the service to be completed. Some companies offer a 24-hour service, but it could be expensive.
The cost of replacing the car key may vary according to the type of vehicle you own and the features. A standard key made of metal is usually available at the hardware store for less than $10 while a transponder or "smart" key that connects to your car via radio transmitters costs considerably more. If your car was manufactured in the past decade, it may have a key fob that needs to be reprogrammed in order to work with your vehicle.
Many locksmiths are equipped to cut car keys however, not all have the required blanks for each type and make. And not all of them have the technology to program a brand new car key, specifically for high-end models that use special keys.
Another aspect that affects the cost of car key replacement is the time of day that you need the key. You'll pay more for a key that is needed in an emergency if it is outside the regular hours of most locksmiths. The place of your residence can affect the cost of replacing a car key. You'll probably pay more if you're in a remote area.
Insurance might pay for the replacement of a car key in some instances. Contact your insurance company to see if you are covered. In other cases, the replacement cost may be covered by the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance extra add-ons.
Roadside Assistance
The term"roadside assistance" refers to the services that aid motorists or motorcyclists who are stuck on the side of the road. This kind of service is offered by departments of transportation, automobile associations, or insurance companies for vehicles. The company will send a representative to examine the motorcycle or vehicle and determine if repairs are required. The company could charge for a new key, if needed.
The ability to duplicate the keys to your car is essential. This is usually done professionally either in a locksmith shop or with the aid of a key duplication device. The methods used to duplicate old mechanical keys do not work with modern keys that have technology built in. These types of keys contain transponders in the head that communicates with the car in order to verify that it is a genuine key. They are more difficult to duplicate and are generally only done 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 majority of hardware stores have the batteries required for less than $10. If you're not able to locate the correct battery, dealers or auto specialists may be able provide one for free.
A stolen or lost key can be a huge issue, especially if stuck on the side of the road. Many people will try to solve the problem themselves by trying to copy keys using a key cutting machine or by using an image file. These methods aren't compatible with modern car keys however, and most of them require precise 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 have the best rates for replacing keys to cars, however they also have some of the highest service fees. Contact your insurance company to find out whether the cost of replacing a key is covered.