How to Cut the Cost of Lost Car Keys
Car keys have a unique way of disappearing from pockets on coats and under sofa cushions or even worse. They could be lost to the wrong hands and used to steal your vehicle.
If you replace the Lost car keys Replacement cost remote, key or FOB through a dealership, it is relatively inexpensive. The cost can differ based on a variety of factors.
Model and make of your vehicle
Losing your car keys not just a huge inconvenience but it is also very costly. Luckily, you can lower the cost of replacing the lost key by following a few easy steps.
The first step is to determine the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. The information you need is in your owner’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer’s customer service department. Once you have the information, you’ll need to decide where to get your replacement keys made. Compare the cost of replacing car keys of the locksmith versus the cost of the dealership to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Most traditional keys can be duplicated at the local auto locksmith or at a hardware store. However, certain models require a dealership do so. This is because the keys have a computer chip that has to be electronically paired with the vehicle. You’ll pay more at the dealership than a locksmith due this.
If your car has transponder keys, a smart key, or a switchblade key you’ll need to speak with the dealer directly. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and cost more than $200. They use high-tech security to ward off the most sophisticated thieves of cars. You’ll need to show evidence such as a certificate of registration or title.
The type of key you require
It is essential to keep an extra car key on hand as losing even the car key for a single time can be costly and time-consuming. Depending on the type of key you lost, you may be required to replace it through an automotive locksmith or a dealer. There are many variables that could impact the cost of replacing a car key including the year, make and model of the vehicle.
Transponder chips are in the majority of keys on modern automobiles. These chips communicate with car’s electronic systems to open doors and start the engine. They are more expensive to replace than conventional keys, but they offer an additional level of security, making them the safest option.
Some models are updated with a remote key fob which can be used to lock and unlock a vehicle from some distance. It’s an optional feature however it does increase the cost of a lost keys because it requires additional programming to work.
Most auto locksmiths and hardware stores can duplicate keys that have chip, costing around $10 each. If you own keys cut with lasers or a key fob that is equipped with a unique microchip, you’ll have to seek out a locksmith or a dealer to have a new key made. These kinds of keys require a specific programming code that is typically supplied by the dealership selling cars.
Your vehicle’s location
The location where you lost your car keys plays an important part in the price to replace car keys cost keys. For instance, if you lost them in an eatery or on the ground in a park It will be cheaper for a locksmith to create an entirely new key than in the event that you lost them at your house. This is because it will be much easier for a locksmith find your vehicle in a busy area than it would be at your house in the middle of nowhere.
If you are replacing only one key, or the spare, this could also affect the cost. If you have a traditional car key, locksmiths in the automotive industry can make a replacement key without the original. However, if your car has a fob or switchblade key, then you will need go to the dealership to get a new one.
It is best to have an extra set of keys to save money if you lose your car keys. It’s easy to forget where you put your keys, so be sure you check your wallet, purse, and even the pockets of your clothes before calling a locksmith. It’s also an excellent idea to take your car for a drive once or twice often to remind you where you put it. You may find it in an unexpected place like the trunk or front seat of your car.
The type of service you require
The majority of cars have keys that control the keyless entry feature and push-button start feature. They are the most expensive keys for cars to replace since they are equipped with a microchip that communicates with the vehicle’s system. In addition to the cost of the key itself, the replacement key for car cost fob has to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer.
The cost of the key itself is depending on the year, model, and make of your vehicle. The most affordable keys to replace are standard mechanical keys. You can get a replacement key from an auto locksmith for as little as $50.
You can also purchase a replacement key from your car dealership. However, you will need to take your vehicle to the dealership and have proof of ownership before you can purchase a key. In addition the dealer will need to program the key and pair it with your car keys replacement cost‘s computer, which can increase the cost of replacing lost car key.
A Bluetooth key tracker is a different option. These devices are small and lost car keys replacement cost attach to your key ring. They emit a signal which your phone will pick up and show the location of your car keys on maps. These are an affordable way to secure your keys and can save your money over time as they are less expensive than a new key.