How to Avoid Expensive Replacement Car Key Costs
Losing or misplacing keys to your car aren't the most pleasant experience. And, unfortunately replacing them can be costly too.
The cost of a new key can differ greatly based on the type of key, the location it was made, and the method by which it is replaced. Here are a few of the major factors that determine replacement car key costs.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
A few years ago losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could buy a simple metal key at your local hardware store for a few dollars. Nowadays, automobiles are more advanced in technology and so are keys. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle however, it also means that replacing a stolen or lost key is more expensive than it was in the past.
One of the main factors that affects the cost of the replacement car key is the make and model of your car. Certain manufacturers make keys that are more complicated and high-tech than others. It will be more difficult to duplicate or program keys for them. Some key fob features may not be available at all locksmith shops or auto shops, so you will have go to the dealer get the features you need.
There are many types of car keys and each type has its own set of costs when it comes to getting a new one. Certain vehicles have a switchblade that folds into an accessory, similar in design to a house key. The keys can cost upwards of $125, whereas basic chips are typically smaller.
Another important factor that affects the price of a new key is the level of security. Most modern keys come with anti-theft features that prevent them from being copied. These features include a tiny remote control, a microchip inside the key and a code that is encrypted that prevents it from being scanned by a computer.
The most secure keys are smart keys that can open the doors and start the engine. Some locksmiths and auto shops are able to duplicate these keys, but dealerships require to have your original key so they can pair it up with your vehicle. This is a costly process however it's a great way to make sure your car won’t be stolen.
The Location
The replacement of a car's key is not a pleasurable experience. It's a hassle and can be expensive. You can save money by knowing the cost of the repair before you call roadside assistance or visit the store. You can get the most accurate estimate if have a clear understanding of the type of car key you need and how old it could be, and how much money you're willing to spend.
The location of your home is a major determinant in the price of a new car key replacement. In rural areas, there are fewer locksmiths, which means more expensive prices. If you reside in a big city, you'll have many locksmiths to choose from, and you will be able to find a good deal on a car key replacement .
Take into consideration the time of year that you are changing your keys. Due to the high demand prices, they tend to rise during summer. If you can wait to have your basic or transponder keys replaced until the off-season you'll probably save some money.
As technology for cars has advanced, so have the cars' keys. They are no longer simple metal pieces. They are tiny electronic devices with batteries and circuitry. The cost of replacing a car key with chip could range from $220 to $350 based on factors like the kind of key, the cost to cut the key and the cost to tow it or visit a locksmith, as well as the cost of programming the key.
It's also worth noting that there are cheaper keys for cars that you can purchase on the internet or at certain hardware stores, but they might not work or even be compatible with your car. Call us today if you want to replace your car key quicker and cheaper than at a dealership. We'll be glad to assist you! Our locksmiths have extensive training and have years of experience. We employ the latest technology to provide prompt and professional service.
The Model and the Make of the Key
Instead of the days where you could walk into the hardware store and get a duplicate key made for pennies, today's modern vehicles have electronic components in their keys to accomplish everything from opening the doors to disable the immobilizer. This means that if you lose your keys to your car, or just want to make an extra set, it can be a very expensive process.
There are ways to lower the cost of buying new car keys. The first step is to comprehend the different kinds of keys and their prices. The next step is to determine what factors can increase the cost of getting an alternative key.
One of the most important factors that determines the amount it will cost to purchase a new car key is the make and model of the vehicle. Every manufacturer has its own unique key design. Many of them have advanced security features. The more complex the key, the higher price you'll have to be charged.
For example, some of the latest models have remote transmitters (also known as a key fob) that require a special code to pair with the car. It is expensive to replace this kind of key, particularly when it's carried out by an auto locksmith or dealer.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost of replicating it. A traditional metal key is less expensive to duplicate than an all-in one laser-cut key. A car key that is laser-cut includes circuitry that needs to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle. The cost of a new key will depend on which type you have.
Finally, you should think about whether you have any type of insurance to cover the loss or damage of your keys. Some insurance providers offer a program that will pay for the replacement of keys to damaged or lost car keys up to a specific limit. This is a great option to think about for families with young children living in your home or if your vehicle has been stolen.
Security Features
There are a myriad of things that can go wrong when it is about automobiles. That's why it's important to have a solid car key replacement plan in place before anything happens. A comprehensive key replacement plan can cover many different keys and fobs, so you don't have to worry about the cost.
The kind of car you own is among the most important factors that affect the cost of replacement keys for your car. Keys for vehicles that are newer are more expensive because of the technology. Certain vehicles with push-to-start include key fobs that require pairing with a computer. This can be a time-consuming, expensive process that requires a specialist.
Some of the latest models come with security features that make it difficult to steal keys. Certain key fobs are able to are able to lock the doors of the car if they are tampered with or have mirror folding capabilities. Key fobs that have this feature require a more sophisticated programming process that only dealers can accomplish and are typically more expensive to replace than conventional metal keys.
Some newer cars come with key fobs equipped with anti-theft devices that disable the engine if the key is stolen or ripped off inside the ignition. They are also more expensive to replace because they need to be connected to the vehicle using a specific computer program that only dealers have access to.
Certain keys are now manufactured using a switchblade design which protects the metal part with plastic. These are more expensive to replace because they require a different type of cutting tool. In some instances, they can be replaced onsite by an automotive locksmith if you can provide the model and year, along with evidence that you own the vehicle (like your registration or title).
All of these elements can add up when it comes to having a new key to your car. It's crucial that drivers have a replacement car key plan in place to avoid paying hundreds of dollars in replacement costs if they lose their keys.