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How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Replacement? There are several options available if you lose your car keys. The most cost-effective option is to employ an locksmith. If you have a dealership you should contact them. The dealer may cost a bit more, but the replacement will be cheaper. Mechanical Losing keys to your car is an emotional experience, and if you have a remote key fob it can be costly. Key replacements can cost anywhere between $25 and $450 based on the model and make. The kind of key you have and the dealer you choose to purchase it from, will affect the cost of your key. You can hire a locksmith to change your car keys, or you can go to a car dealership to purchase a new set. Both options are different, but the dealer option is typically the most expensive. If you own a traditional key that isn't a key fob, you can typically locate a locksmith who will cut and program it for about $50. Modern car keys include an electronic chip that connects with your vehicle when you use it to unlock the car or start the engine. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and cost more to replace. A basic transponder costs around $150. A laser-cut version that is more difficult to duplicate, will cost you around $200. If you need an alternative to a more sophisticated key, such as the switchblade on a key fob or a smartkey, you'll need go to the dealer. The majority of locksmiths don't have the equipment necessary to duplicate keys like these. You'll have purchase them from the dealer. It could take a few days, and you will not be able to use your vehicle until they arrive. Making sure your keys aren't lost is the best way to avoid additional costs. Consider keeping a spare in your purse or glove box and using the device to track your keys. If you do lose your car keys, make sure to notify the police as soon as you can. Do not force your way in the car because this could cause an insurance claim, or a claim for theft. Insurance companies can also be concerned in the event that you break windows or hang wires. It is difficult to convince them that the car is yours. Dealership The majority of people have lost their keys at some time. Whether they slipped into an alternate dimension or the cat flushed them in the toilet The loss of keys is a constant pain. Replacing them, however, can really put a dent in your budget. The cost of replacing a key at the dealership will vary based on the kind of key you own and the model of your vehicle. Typically, metal keys are easy to duplicate at locksmiths or workshops of third-party companies however, most modern vehicles have transponder keys with specialization that have to be programmed by a dealer in order to work correctly. Dealers charge between $500 to $1,000 to replace and reprogram these keys. While that may seem expensive but you can cut down on cost by signing up for a comprehensive key replacement program. These programs provide an annual fee that includes replacement of eligible keys and remote transponders (but not valet keys) if they are damaged or lost. Some even provide one eligible key replacement per year at no additional cost. Most of these programs are offered at auto dealers, who typically offer them as an option to their bumper-tobumper or extended warranty coverage. You can also find them in reputable roadside assistance businesses. If you lose a transponder or an all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer for them to replace it. They'll have to purchase the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. This process can take days to complete. Keep a spare key handy to avoid paying the full price of a replacement. If you lose the VIN, it is a good idea to note it down. The VIN can be found on your car's documentation, on the dashboard or the door jamb. If you prefer, you can contact the manufacturer of your vehicle or a GEICO agent for assistance in finding the VIN. GEICO's Roadside Assistance service can help you tow your vehicle to a reputable repair shop. The GEICO app offers this service for no cost. Independent Locksmith Most people are not prepared for the cost of replacing keys to their car. It's important to understand the price before you lose your keys. You can anticipate to pay a lot if you use the dealership. However, third-party suppliers might offer solutions that are affordable. It's a good idea create an additional key and store it in a secure place in case you're worried about losing yours. You can do this with an independent locksmith or dealership, but you'll need to wait for the service to be completed. Some businesses offer an emergency service, but it can be more expensive. The cost of replacing the car key may vary dependent on the type of vehicle you own and its features. A basic metal key is typically sold at a local hardware store for under $10. However, a transponder key or “smart key” that connects to your car through a radio transmitter is more expensive. In addition, if your car was built in the past decade or so, it likely has a key fob remote that needs to be programmed to work with your car. While a lot of locksmiths have tools to cut the car key however, not all carry the necessary blanks for each make and model. They also don't all have the capability to program a new car key, particularly for high-end models that use key codes that are specialized. The time of the day you need the car key is another aspect that influences the cost. Most locksmiths have regular working hours, so you'll pay more for the key in a crisis outside of these hours. The location of your home can also affect the cost of a replacement car key. You'll be charged more if your home is in a remote area. In certain cases, car key replacement can be covered by insurance. Check with your insurer to find out if you're covered. In some instances the cost of replacement may be covered by the warranty of your vehicle or roadside assistance. Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance refers to the services that are provided by the Department Transportation automobile associations, as well as car insurance companies for motorcyclists and motorists on the sidelines of the highway. This kind of service is offered by transportation departments and automobile associations or vehicle insurance providers. The company will send a representative to look over the vehicle or motorcycle and determine if any repairs are required. If you require a replacement key the company could charge a fee for the supply of one. It is crucial to to duplicate your car key. auto key replacement is typically performed by a professional, either at a locksmith's store or by using the key duplication machine. However the methods used to duplicate older mechanical keys aren't suitable for modern keys with the latest technology embedded in them. Keys with this type of technology have a transponder in the key head that communicates with the car to confirm that it is a valid key. These kinds of keys are very difficult to duplicate and are usually only made at the dealership or by a licensed automotive locksmith. The first thing to do when your car key fob isn't functioning correctly is to replace the batteries. The majority of hardware stores have the batteries needed for less than $10. Some auto specialists and dealers may be able provide a free battery in case you're unable to locate the correct one. A lost or stolen car key can be a major hassle, especially when you're stranded at the side of the road. Many people attempt to solve the issue by copying a car key using a key cutting machine or a file. These methods aren't compatible with modern car keys however, and most of them require precise programming and copying by a qualified expert, like a locksmith, a professional from a car dealership or a mechanic. Car dealerships provide the cheapest cost for replacing keys, but also charge the highest costs. It's worth checking with your insurance provider to find out whether they will cover the cost of replacing a car key.