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Cost of Replacement Car Keys Losing your car keys is an immense trouble. And, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense. The simplest and most affordable method to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also get your key copied by specialist dealers, but they often increase the cost. Year & Make a Car The days when a lost car key was not an issue are over. The keys of modern-day automobiles which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to buy. Losing your smart key could cost you as much as $350. This is because modern cars make use of electronic keys and fobs to unlock doors and start engines. Keys and fobs which are electronic devices of a tiny size, with circuitry and batteries are connected to the vehicle. This is a sophisticated procedure that requires specialized tools and a thorough understanding of. There are ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing prices for keys and features prior to buying, you can be more informed about how much to expect to spend on new keys. One of the biggest factors that can influence the cost of the replacement car keys is the year and model of the vehicle. Many newer cars have transponder chips which need to be connected with an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly procedure. It's cheaper to replace older vehicles and keys that don't contain transponder chips. You can also save money by buying online or utilizing a third party service to replace your car keys. Consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event they get lost. These devices can be attached directly to your keys and can be easily used by using a smartphone app. It's important to keep in mind that misplacing or losing your car keys could be costly, so it's advisable to keep a spare in your vehicle at all times. If you don't own an extra key, you should check with your dealer to find out whether they offer a free replacement program. This could be part of the vehicle warranty or an additional roadside assistance option. These programs may provide replacement car keys that can be as high as $400 per year. They're well worth the peace-of-mind they provide. Technology Type While keys for cars and remotes may appear to be ordinary metal pieces, they're actually electronic devices in miniature form. As a result, they're more complicated than they appear. This means they're costly to replace. The type of key you own will also affect the cost of replacement. Key fobs of the standard type are able to be duplicated for a reasonable price, but are not as durable as newer models that come with an extra layer of security. They have a unique head with a chip that communicates to the computer in the car. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work even when the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. They are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they require two steps to make laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle. In certain situations the locksmith will have to remove the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a locksmith with specialized training. If they are required to replace other parts such as the housing that houses chips, the process can be time-consuming and costly. For the most recent models of automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle to an auto dealer to get a new key programed to your vehicle. You will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration documents or title documents. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to make an order and match a new key to the key you have already. Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who own the latest models of cars as he does not have the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. It is essential to select a local locksmith or dealership that is able to handle any kind of vehicle and provides a variety of services. This will save you money on the long-term when it's time to replace or repair your car keys. Where You Live When you live can impact the amount the locksmith or dealer charges for key replacement. If you live in a large city it is likely to be more expensive than if you resided in a small town or rural area. This is because a service provider must travel further to get to you, which translates to more expensive costs. Another aspect that could affect the cost of car key replacement is when and where you lose your keys. The cost of a replacement key will increase if you lose them during holidays or at night. There is a chance that you will be charged due to the inconvenience of waiting longer for a service technician to arrive. The type of key that you own can also impact the price. Some cars only have basic mechanical keys, or standard keys, while others are equipped with a transponder chip, key fob or smart key. The cost of replacing keys with more advanced technology will be higher. auto key replacement of these high tech keys need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can take about an hour or more, and is one of the main reasons why a high-tech key may cost more than a standard one. For those with older vehicles with standard keys that don't have transponder chips will typically pay less for an entirely new key. Standard key cutting typically requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the car. Many of these key types require that they be paired with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and start the engine. You can call the dealership that sold you your car if you are not able to locate your keys. However it isn't always the case. If your insurance policy is in place, it may be possible to file a claim with them to cover the cost of a replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA might also be able of assistance but they'll only provide the basic key, and not the latest technology. Security Features The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle however, it also presents an opportunity for someone else to steal your car. While this is a danger that all drivers face it's crucial to know the cost of replacing your car keys to ensure you have enough money for it. There are many factors that impact the price of keys replacement. The cost of replacing keys is affected by several factors, such as the year and model of your car and the technology utilized in the key, as well as the security features. It's also important to decide whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance service such as AAA which could increase the cost of replacing keys that have been lost. It is much less expensive to replace the traditional metal keys for cars without a transponder. They can typically be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. However, a newer smart key needs to be paired with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can cost up to $200 or more. Key fobs are available in many vehicles that communicate with the computer in the vehicle using radio frequency identification. These keys are difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. These keys can cost $500 or more. You can also attach an electronic tracker to your keychain in case you misplace it. These are usually small devices that can be purchased at most hardware stores and can be used in conjunction with an app to track the location of your lost keys. While they can add to the overall cost of replacing keys, they can be an affordable and efficient solution for most people. In the past, losing your car keys could be a major hassle and could have cost you money for a few days. Today, however, most of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents had in their day, and misplacing your keys can be an enormous hassle, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune in order to get back on the road.