The Cost of Replacing Car Keys

It's not a big deal to lose your car keys. They can be easily and cheaply replaced. The cost will vary depending on the key type, technology, and where you get the replacement car key cost.

The majority of hardware stores can duplicate classic keys for less than $10. Automotive locksmiths can also duplicate them if you have proof of ownership. More advanced and high-tech keys are more expensive to replace car key cost, but can be replaced at the dealership if required.

Basic Key Fobs

The majority of cars manufactured after the 1990s are equipped with key fobs which enable and disable their doors by pressing buttons. Most are standard and relatively inexpensive to replace, but the most advanced fobs can cost upwards of $1,000 for a dealer-installed replacement car keys cost.

In some cases, dealerships may be the only place to get a key fob replaced since they're typically the only ones with the expensive equipment required for programming a brand new one. This is particularly relevant for European automobiles. Audi or BMW keyfobs for instance, have a color touchscreen that allows drivers to turn on or off the car's navigation system, or access additional information. These features, along with advanced security measures to detect if the key fob has been moved from its place of origin, make it more difficult to copy than fobs produced by Nissan or Ford.

Some hardware stores and auto parts stores offer fobs to replace for less than the dealership. And if you can't find the right type of fob for your vehicle, alternative options from the market work for all models and can be programmed with a code provided by the manufacturer in the owner's manual. Review your warranty, car insurance policy, or roadside service coverage to see whether it covers the cost.

Transponder Keys

Keys and fobs that are standard are able to be replaced at very little cost. However, a key with transponder technology will cost more. These chips, sometimes referred to as mini-circuits, are what help your car recognize the key and then start.

This is because the chips in conjunction with a special code, disarms the immobilizer of the vehicle and allows the engine to operate. This technology is in the majority of cars manufactured after 2001. Hardware stores can make mechanical copies, but they are unable to duplicate the RF chip molded into your current key. That's why you have to go to a dealership to purchase an expensive new key fob as well as the even more expensive programming service.

Many people go to their dealer when they lose their keys. Many owners are unaware that locksmiths could make the exact key at a cheaper price.

In addition to cloning keys, a professional locksmith will also be able reprogramme your transponder keys. To do this locksmith, they'll require the special equipment used by dealerships, but it can be found in a majority of auto stores. It can also be helpful when you have a duplicate of the key that was stolen or lost car keys replacement Cost uk and also the owner's manual. The process could take longer and cost more money if the items aren't available.

High-Tech Keys

Certain vehicles require high-tech keys fobs that emit an electronic signal to open doors and even start the engine. Replacing these can be a bit more difficult than making a simple transponder key and can cost hundreds of dollars.

Locksmiths can also create keys for you. You will need to bring your key fob as well as proof of ownership such as the registration or title for the car. Most locksmiths will cost 20% less than the dealer.

The cost of a new key is largely determined by the existence of an existing key that can be copied. Some keys older than this do not have a chip, and can be duplicated at a local hardware store for about $10. A modern VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) key is equipped with a small resistor inside it that needs to match the car's computers and can be duplicated at a cost of $20-$45.

However, there's an exception. The auto industry provides funding to a trade organization called the National Automated Vehicles Task Force. The organization manages an electronic database of key codes and permits locksmiths and dealers to duplicate keys created after 2000 for VW, Mercedes BMW and Porsche. The Center for lost car Keys replacement Cost uk Auto Safety, an advocacy group for consumers led by Ralph Nader, has petitioned the Federal Trade Commission to investigate automakers for securing key codes and lost car keys replacement cost uk charging hefty costs to replace keys.

Key Replacement at the Dealership

Not long ago, misplacing the car key wasn't a big deal. If you lost your keys, you could get an exchange from the dealership without a lot of hassle. Today's cars are more advanced in technology, which means the process of replacing your car keys could be more complex and expensive.

For transponder and bladed keys, you can go to your local locksmith. Locksmiths can cut a key for less than $10. But if you have the switchblade type key or a high-tech smart key, the best option is to contact roadside assistance and have your car towed towards the dealer. You'll need to bring your proof of ownership documents along and you might need to wait for several days until the dealership has the key in stock.

Whether you lose a simple bladed key, a switchblade key or a sophisticated smart key, GEICO will help you get back on the road again with our 24-hour Roadside Assistance service. Make sure to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN) which is usually located on the dashboard of the driver's seat or is printed on your insurance card. The VIN is needed to order and program the appropriate key for your vehicle. It's also important to keep the spare key in a safe location.