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The Cost of Replacing Car Keys

It's not a big deal to lose your car keys. They can be quickly and easily replaced. The cost varies based on the type of key, the technology and the place where you purchase the replacement car keys cost near me.

Classic keys that are traditional are available at many hardware stores for less than $10 or through an locksmith in the automotive industry if you have proof of ownership (registration or title). Keys that are more advanced and high-tech are more expensive to replace, however they can be replaced at the dealership if needed.

Basic Key Fobs for Keys

Most cars built after 1990s are equipped with key fobs that can lock and unlock doors by pressing buttons. The majority are standard and cheap to replace, but the most sophisticated fobs can be as high as $1,000 for a replacement installed by a dealer.

In some cases, dealerships could be the only option to replace car key cost a key fob because they're the only ones with the costly equipment needed for programming a brand new one. This is particularly relevant for European cars. A Audi or BMW key fob, for instance, has a touchscreen color that allows the driver to switch off and on the car's navigation system, or access other information. These features, in conjunction with advanced security systems that can tell whether a fob was moved from its normal location making them more difficult to duplicate than simple fobs manufactured by Nissan or Ford.

Some hardware stores and auto parts stores offer fobs replacements for much lower than a dealership. If you are unable to locate the type of fob you require that fits your car, alternative options from the market work for all models and can be programmed using a code supplied by the manufacturer in the owner's manual. You should also look into your car's warranty, auto-insurance policy or roadside assistance coverage to see whether it covers the cost of replacing the fob.

Transponder Keys

Standard keys and fobs can be replaced for a relatively low cost. However, a key with transponder technology will cost more. These chips, commonly referred to as mini-circuits, are what makes your car recognize the key and start.

The reason is because those chips, when coupled with a specific code, disarm the vehicle immobilizer which allows the engine to run. This technology is found in the majority of cars manufactured after 2001. Although hardware stores can create traditional mechanical copies of your key, Cost of Replacing Car Keys they are not equipped to duplicate the RF chips that have been molded into the end of your modern key. You must therefore go to the dealer to purchase an additional key fob and then pay for programming services that are even more expensive.

Many people go to their dealer if they lose their keys. Many owners are unaware that locksmiths can make the exact key at a lower cost.

In addition to cloning the key, a locksmith who is certified can also reprogramme your transponder keys. For this locksmith to do this, they'll need the equipment specifically designed for this purpose. It is used by dealerships, but it is available in the majority of automotive stores. It can also be helpful if you have a copy of the key that was stolen or lost, and the key's owner's manual. Without these, the process could be longer and the final cost could be slightly more than if you were to visit an agent.

High-Tech Keys

Certain vehicles require high-tech key fobs that emit an electronic signal to open doors and start the engine. Replacing them is a lot more difficult than making a transponder-key and can cost to replace a car key hundreds of dollars.

Locksmiths can also create keys. You will need to bring your key fob along with proof of ownership, such as the title or registration of the vehicle. Locksmiths charge about 20 percent less than dealers.

The cost of purchasing a new key is mostly determined by the availability of an existing key that can be copied. Keys older than that don't have chips and can be copied at the local hardware store for around $10. A VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System) key that is more recent has an internal resistor. It should match the car's computer. The key can be copied at a cost of $20 to $45.

There's an exception to this, however. The auto industry provides funding to a trade group called the National Automated Vehicles Task Force. The group maintains key code databases and allows dealers and Locksmiths to duplicate keys created after 2000 for VW, Mercedes BMW and Porsche. The Center for Auto Safety is a consumer advocacy organization led by Ralph Nader. They have asked the Federal Trade Commission for an investigation into automakers' practices of keeping secret key codes and charging high prices to replace keys.

Key replacement car key cost at the Dealership

Not long ago, misplacing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily purchase a new set of keys from your dealer if you lost the keys. The modern automobile is more technologically advanced, therefore the process of replacing the keys to your car could be more complex and expensive.

You can ask your local locksmith shop for basic bladed keys, or a transponder key. They can typically cut a new key for less than $10. If you have a smart key or Cost of Replacing Car Keys a switchblade, it's best to contact roadside assistance and get your vehicle towed. You'll need the documents of ownership along and you might need to wait for a few days until the dealership has the key available.

If you've lost a simple bladed key, a switchblade or a sophisticated smart key, GEICO will assist you in getting back on the road again with our 24-hour Roadside Assistance service. Make sure to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN) that is typically located on the driver's side dashboard or is printed on your insurance card. The VIN is required to order the right key and then have it programmed to your vehicle. It's also important to keep your spare key in a secure location.