What You Need to Know About Key Car Replacement
Losing your car key can be a very painful experience. There are a variety of alternatives for replacing your keys which can help you get back on the road.
Another alternative is to visit the dealership. This is the most expensive, but it comes with a functioning key and fob.
What is the cost?
The cost to replace a key in your car depends on the year, model, and make of the vehicle. Some newer vehicles have transponder chips in the keys that must be connected to the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith prior to their work, and this can make a difference in the total cost of replacement. The type of key is also a factor in the cost. Some older mechanical keys can be replaced for a low cost and more advanced smart keys may have to be reprogrammed or even completely rebuilt.
The kind of key is the most important factor to consider when determining the total cost. Mechanical keys are easy and straightforward, and they can be repaired by a locksmith in your neighborhood for well under $50. If you own a more advanced key that uses transponder or key fobs to unlock and open your car, the cost will be higher. The transponder and key fob must be programmed to connect, which requires special equipment that can only be found at a dealership or auto locksmith.
Key fobs are electronic remote controls that can be used to open the doors and start a car. Some have an LCD that displays your vehicle's status. Some of these keys can cost as high as $500.
If you lose your keys, you will need to have it tow away to the dealer, and provide the proof of ownership documents. The dealer can order a replacement key for you and pair it electronically to your vehicle. It can take a few days to complete, which will increase the overall cost.
If you have a warranty on your car that is still active and you are able to read the terms to see the coverage offered for lost keys or fobs. For instance, some companies offer a breakdown coverage plan with key replacement cover that can help you pay for the expense of replacing or reprogramming the car key fob. car key replacement near me is the most efficient method to save money on unexpected costs.
What is the Process?
The process of replacing a key in your car depends on the type of vehicle you own. If you have an old mechanical key that inserts itself into your lock and turns it on, the process should be relatively easy for a locksmith or a key cutter. Modern keys, on the other hand are more secure and convenience features that can make them more complex to replace.
Certain key fobs are different from traditional metal keys that they require a distinct key to open the doors and start the engine. They are usually more difficult to duplicate, and they may need to be programmed by professionals, which can add to the cost.
Thankfully, the most common way to get an inexpensive key replacement for your car is visiting your local auto locksmith. They'll have the equipment necessary for this task and can generally get you back on your way in just a few minutes. Roadside assistance services are available, but they are typically more expensive.
You can also purchase an inexpensive replacement key for your car by contacting your insurance company. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your insurance provider prior to selecting this option.
If you have an older model with an old-fashioned metal key, the procedure is relatively simple. Locksmiths or key cutters can duplicate the original with little difficulty. If your car has transponders in the key, you will need to take it to the dealer for replacement.
To order a new car key, the dealership will need your vehicle identification number and a copy your driver's licence. Then, once they receive the key, they'll need to program it to work with your vehicle. The keyless entry remote may also need to be reprogrammed which is a long process based on the complexity of your vehicle's anti-theft system. Check to see if this service is covered under your warranty or insurance.
What's the Time Frame?
If you have a spare key and you lose your original, you can replace it immediately. What happens if you don't have the original or spare key? In that situation you'll need to call a locksmith or a car dealership.
The dealer will give you a programmed key and a new one. The process may take a few weeks. It is contingent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as what kind of key you have.
A locksmith or hardware shop can duplicate mechanical keys that are older. The original key, along with evidence of ownership like your car's registration or title will be required.
If you own a newer automobile that is equipped with the key fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get it replaced. The dealership will have the equipment required to complete this task, such as laser cutting and programming machines. They'll also be able to use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine the kind of key your car has.
A warranty or other coverage may cover your key fob. Check to see whether your key fob has been covered by an insurance policy, a membership to an auto club or roadside assistance.
The cost of a replacement key
If your key has been used so much that it's starting to show signs of wear and tear, it could be time to replace it. This could be visible scratches or rust, or even a sticky key that's difficult to turn.
If your key suddenly stops working it could be a sign that it's compromised. If that is the scenario, you'll need replace it as soon as you can to avoid having your vehicle taken away. It could be the case that the cylinder has been damaged and needs to be replaced by a professional. In this scenario you'll probably have to pay more for a dealer-level key that is compatible with your vehicle's model.
What's the alternative?
There are a few alternatives to replacing the key in your car, but some of them can be more expensive. For example locksmiths generally cost more than a dealership however they'll be faster at getting you back on the road.
It's more expensive to contact your local garage. The garage might not have the specialist key coder that an auto locksmith carries and will have to obtain it from an expert.
Some companies like AutoZone do offer keys for cars however, they'll use generic keys that don't match the original keys. If you're considering this option, make sure that you have the VIN number of your car so that they can identify the exact type of key you need.
Another option is to contact a roadside assistance service and have them tow your vehicle to a dealership to have the keys changed. They might need to order the kind of key you need, which could result in delays. You can also try to submit a claim to the insurance company that covers your car, but that will typically be more expensive and have an upper limit on the number of times you can claim the cover for.
Contacting an auto locksmith is the best way to obtain a new key for your car. They'll have the specialist key coding equipment to replace your fob and will usually charge much less than the dealer. They are also able to complete the job more quickly, which is great if you are in urgent need of assistance. You can also call a roadside service, but it can be expensive and take a long time to reach someone who can help you.