What You Need to Know About Key Car Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are a variety of alternatives for replacing your keys that can help get you back on the road.
You can also visit the dealer. It is the most expensive option, but you will get an operational key and fob.
What is the cost?
The cost of replacing the key in your car will vary based on the year, make and model of your vehicle. Some keys for newer cars have transponder chip technology that must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealership before they will work. This can raise the cost of replacement. The kind of key also plays a role in the cost. Certain older mechanical keys can be replaced inexpensively and more advanced smart keys may need to be reprogrammed, or completely rebuilt.
When determining the price, the first thing you should consider is the type of key. Mechanical keys are simple to replace with a locksmith in your area for less than $50. If you have an advanced key that makes use of transponders or key fobs to open and start your vehicle, the price will be more expensive. The transponder will need to be linked up with the key fob, which is a special equipment only available from an auto locksmith or dealer.
Key fobs can serve as remotes for electronic devices to open doors and start cars. Certain key fobs come with an indicator that shows the condition of your car. Some of these keys can cost as high as $500.
If you lose your keys, you'll need to get it tow away to the dealer and present evidence of ownership documents. They will then be able order you a replacement key and then electronically link it with your vehicle. It can take several days to complete, which will increase the cost of your service.
If you have a warranty on your car that is still active take a close look at the terms to see what coverage it offers for lost fobs or keys. Some companies offer a breakdown cover plan that includes a key replacement policy. This will allow you to pay for the cost of replacing or reprogramming your car key fob. Ultimately this is among the most effective ways to save money on these unexpected costs.
What's the Process?
The process of changing a key for your vehicle is contingent on the type of vehicle you have. If you own an electronic key that is placed inside the lock and then turned, the procedure for a locksmith or key cutter is fairly simple. Modern keys however are more secure and convenience features that could make them more complex to replace.
Certain key fobs are different from conventional metal keys that they require a distinct key to open the doors and start the engine. They are more difficult to duplicate and could require a professional to program them, which can increase the cost.
Your local auto locksmith is the best place to go for a cheap key replacement. They will have all the equipment needed for this task and can generally get you back on the road in a matter of minutes. Additionally, roadside assistance services can aid in this, but they're generally more expensive.
You can also purchase an inexpensive replacement key for your car through your insurance provider. Certain insurance companies offer an add-on specifically for this purpose It's essential to read their terms and conditions before opting for this service.
If you have an older model using a traditional metal key the process is fairly straightforward. A key cutter or locksmith can copy the original key with ease. If, however, your vehicle uses a transponder chip in the key, you'll have to bring it to the dealer for a replacement.
To purchase a brand new car key, the dealership will require your vehicle identification number and the driver's license copy. After they receive the key, they'll need to program it to work with your vehicle. The keyless entry remote will also require reprogramming, which is a long procedure based on the complexity of your vehicle's anti-theft system. It's also worth checking to determine if this service is covered under your warranty or insurance policy.
What is the Time Frame?
If you lose one of your keys and you have a spare you'll be able to get it replaced as soon as you can. What happens if you don't have the original key or spare? In this scenario, you will need to find a dealer or locksmith.
The dealer will give you a programmed key and a new one. The process can take a couple of days. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle and also the type of key you have.
car key replacements or locksmith can duplicate mechanical keys that are older. They'll require the original keys as well as evidence of ownership, like the title of your car or registration.
If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key fob, you'll need go to the dealer to have it replaced. The dealership has the equipment for this, including laser cutting machines and programming machines. The dealership will also be able make use of the car identification numbers (VINs) to determine which kind of key your car makes use of.
A warranty or other coverage may cover your key fob. Examine if your key fob is covered by a warranty, an insurance policy, a membership in an auto club or roadside assistance.
The Cost of the Replacement Key
If your key has been used so much that it's beginning to show signs of wear and tear, it could be time to replace it. This could include visible scratches or rust, or even a sticky key that's difficult to turn.
If your key isn't working at any point, it could be a sign that it has been compromised by criminals. If experienced is the case, you'll want to replace it as soon as possible to avoid having your vehicle taken away. It could also mean that the key cylinder is damaged, and will require a professional to replace it. In this case, you'll likely have to pay a higher cost for a dealer-level key that is compatible with the car's model.
What's the Alternative?
There are many alternatives to replacing your key, but some of them are more expensive. Locksmiths, for instance will cost more than a dealership but will get you back on roads more quickly.
It's more expensive to call your local garage. The garage might not have the specialist key coder that auto locksmiths carry, so they will need to get it from a specialist.
Certain companies such as AutoZone do offer car key replacement services however, they'll use generic parts that don't match the original keys. If you decide to take this route, you'll be required to provide your VIN number so that they can determine the specific type of key you require.
You can also contact a roadside service to tow your vehicle to a dealership to get the replacement keys. They might have to purchase the type of key that you require, which could delay your vehicle. You could also file an insurance claim through your vehicle insurance company. However, this will be more expensive and you may only be eligible to claim the coverage a certain number of times.
Contacting an auto locksmith is the best way to get a new car key for your vehicle. They will have the specialist key coding equipment to replace your fob and typically can do it for a lot less than the dealer. They'll also be able to complete the job faster which is crucial if you're in a rush. The other alternative is to call an emergency roadside service company but this could be expensive and you may have to wait some time before they send someone to you.