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Cost of Replacement Car Keys The loss of your car keys can be a huge problem. Even worse, the cost of replacing them can be a major expense. Calling an auto locksmith is the most affordable and easiest way to replace your car key. You can also get your key copied by a specialist dealer, but they will charge you more. Year and Make of vehicle Long gone are the days when a lost car key wasn't an issue. Nowadays, cars are more advanced, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. In fact in the event that you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350. Modern vehicles utilize electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chip that are all connected to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and training. There are many ways to save money on car keys replacement. Comparing the prices of keys and features can help you to get an idea of much you will have to pay for new keys. One of the main factors that will influence the cost of the replacement car keys is the year and the make of your car. Most modern vehicles come with high-tech transponder chips that need to be paired with the car by an auto locksmith or dealer, which is an expensive and time-consuming process. It will be cheaper to replace old cars and keys that don't contain transponder chips. In addition, you can often save money on new car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing a new key online. Consider purchasing a portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you find your car keys in the event that they are lost. These devices attach directly to your keys, and can be used with a smartphone application. Be aware that the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car can be expensive. It is best to always carry an extra. If you don't own an extra key, make contact with your dealer to find out whether they have a no-cost replacement program. It could be a part of the warranty for your vehicle or as an additional roadside assistance feature. These programs will pay for replacement car keys up to $400 per year. They are well worth the peace of mind they offer. Technology Type While remote fobs and keys for cars may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually miniature electronic devices. They're more complex than they appear. This means they're costly to replace. The type of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to get an alternative. Key fobs of the standard type can be duplicated relatively cheaply, but are not as durable as newer models that have an additional layer of security. These keys come with a specific head with a chip which communicates to the car's computer. A duplicate key won't function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. These keys are more expensive than the traditional ones because they require two steps: laser cutting and programming your key to your vehicle. In certain situations the locksmith will have to disassemble the transponder chip in order to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a professional locksmith. If they are required to replace other parts such as the housing which houses a chip, the process could be lengthy and costly. For the most current model automobiles, you'll have to bring your vehicle to the dealership to have a new key programmed to your vehicle. This will require you to present proof of ownership, like the title or registration papers. In addition, you'll have to wait a few days for the dealer to purchase the new key for your vehicle and then pair it with your current one. Genesky says he is able to complete key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for around $200-$250. However, he is forced to refuse customers with most recent models of cars since he doesn't have the expensive equipment needed to program keys for them. This is the reason it's essential to locate a local locksmith or dealership that offers an array of services and can work with any kind of vehicle. This will help you save money in the long run when it comes time to replace or repair your lost keys to your car. Where You Live The location you live in can affect the amount a locksmith or car dealer charges for key replacement. If you reside in a city that is large the costs are likely to be higher than if you lived in rural or a small town region. This is because the service provider has to travel further to reach you, which translates to greater prices. The time and location of the loss may be a factor in the price. The cost of a replacement key will be higher if lose them during the weekend or in the night. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician. The type of key you have will also affect the price. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys while others include transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. Keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace. replacement car keys price of these high-tech keys must be programmed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This can take an hour or more and is another reason why the price will be higher than a standard key. Older vehicles without transponder chips or standard keys will cost less to buy an updated key. Standard key cutting typically only requires reading the cuts on the ignition of the vehicle or using the VIN number to identify the right key for the car. Many of these keys require pairing with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and then start the engine. It is possible to contact the dealership that sold you your car if you are in a position to locate your keys. However it's not always possible. Based on your insurance policy It may be possible to file a claim with them to cover the cost of a replacement key or key fob. Roadside assistance companies like AAA might be able to assist with this, although they will probably only provide a simple key and not the more advanced technology. Security Features It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives an individual the chance to rob your vehicle. While this is a risk every driver faces it's crucial to know the cost of replacing the car keys to be able to budget for it. There are a variety of factors that impact the price of replacement keys. This includes the year and make of your vehicle, the level of sophistication the key technology is and the security features that are included in the keys. It's also important to consider whether you'd like to utilize an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which can make a difference in the total cost of replacing the lost key. Traditional car keys made of metal which don't have transponder chips are much less expensive to replace. They can be duplicated at a hardware shop for less than $10. On the other hand the latest smart key must be connected 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 connect to the vehicle's computer using radio frequency identification. These keys are more difficult to copy, and they are designed to stop theft. The cost to replace keys of this kind can be as high as $500 or more. You may also choose to have a tracker added to your keychain to help locate it should you lose it. These small devices can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores and are used with an app that tracks the lost keys. While they can increase the cost of replacing keys, they are an affordable and efficient solution for most people. In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major hassle and put you out of money for a time. Nowadays, we have more technology than in the past, so losing your keys can be a major issue. But it doesn't have to be costly to get back behind the wheel.