10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares Concerning Replacement Car Keys Cost

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How Much Does a Car Key Cost to Replace?

Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. In the event of being stranded, without a spare means a trip the locksmith, and possibly a huge repair bill.

Fortunately, the majority of insurance companies will pay for the cost of a replacement car key of purchasing a new key in the event that you lose yours. The cost will vary depending on the type of key you need and the location you purchase it.

Basic Keys

The type of key you own will determine the cost to replace car key of replacing it. Keys that are basic and without extra features are the cheapest to duplicate. The cost of newer transponder chips and remote parts will increase.

The cost of a standard key will vary according to where you want it duplicated. Hardware stores that do not specialize in duplicated car key programming cost keys tend to charge the most however, they may also have the largest variety of blanks. Many locksmiths also have an extensive selection of blanks at affordable prices.

Some hardware stores offer a kit for customers called Simple Key. It includes an uncut transponder and an Easy Installer. You can cut the key at home and program it yourself, saving money on duplication fees and dealership pairing fees. The EZ Installer plugs into your vehicle's standard diagnostic port and allows you to pair your new key within minutes.

Transponder Keys

A transponder keys has a microchip in it that is attached to the wire coil that runs around the barrel of the ignition. When the key is inserted into the lock or turned for the car to begin, the microchip emits an electronic signal that contains an identifier in digital form that matches that stored in the car's computer. This makes them a lot more difficult to duplicate, however they're not foolproof - experienced criminals have found ways to hack into cars with transponder keys.

The cost of the new transponder keys is dependent on the vehicle's make and model, as well as where you make it. The dealer will charge you the most due to their overheads. Locksmiths usually offer an affordable price. They also have special equipment that can program keys for most automobiles without the need for a dealer.

Key Fobs

Modern cars have key fobs which can lock and unlock doors, as well as start the vehicle. It is expensive to replace a lost key fob.

In the 1990s, replacements it was easy to locate keys for replacement for the car at a hardware store or replacements (moved here) a locksmith, or an auto dealer. As technology improved, so did the price.

Genesky estimates that the simplest laser-cut transponder keys can cost between $150 and $250, if you need him to program and cut it for you. This includes a new key and the key cylinder that it will fit into, and programming of the chip in the key.

Switchblade keys -- which have shanks that fold away into the fob when not in use -- are more costly than the standard keys. Replacing a switchblade key fob and its key cylinder costs $200 to $300. It's more difficult to program keys for these than an ordinary key fob or key.

Switchblade Keys

Modern cars have key fobs that allow drivers unlock their car doors or trunk, as well as utilize the remote start feature. Some key fobs come with the switchblade key, which folds into the fob as the knife of a switchblade when not in use. The cost of a replacement key fob with switchblade keys can range from to $300.

Key fobs with transponder chips which communicate with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. Transponder keys are in use since 1995 and are more secure than metal car keys. The cost to replace car keys of a new key could vary from $40 to $100, based on whether the key is duplicated by a dealer or a professional.

The "rolling code transponder key" was first introduced in 1999. It sends a unique code each time the car is started, making it harder to steal or hack. Replacing this type of key is usually costly, since it requires a visit from a dealer and programming.

Smart Keys

Key fobs that allow drivers to unlock their vehicle doors and start the engine without having to take the key from their pocket. These key fobs also include convenience features, such as the ability to store the settings of specific drivers, or even open the sunroof and windows remotely.

Transponder keys are different from normal keys in the sense that they require a specially designed machine for cutting them. They also contain an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle system. The addition of this technology increases the cost of the key.

Smart keys are the most expensive type of keys to replace and require the assistance of a dealer. They are costly to replace since they have sophisticated security features built in that are hard to duplicate. In addition the key must be programmed to meet the specifications of your vehicle. This can cost you more than $1,000.

Dealerships

The cost to replace a car key fob remote is usually determined by the year, make and model of the vehicle. Many modern cars have transponder chips that are high-tech and need to be linked by an auto locksmith or dealer. If the key isn't connected correctly, the engine won't start.

These types of keys are expensive due to the fact that they have security codes which need to be programmed into the vehicle. It is usually cheaper to copy these keys from locksmiths.

Locksmiths compete for business against mechanics and dealers, so they keep their prices low to draw customers. This is why it's typically 2X-10X more cost-effective to visit locksmiths when you've lost car key replacement cost all your car keys instead of contacting the dealership or a mechanic. Dealers may also require that the vehicle be towed while a locksmith will come to you.