Cost of Replacement Car Keys

Losing your car keys is an enormous hassle. Even worse, the cost of replacing them could be a major expense.

The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also have your key copied by specialist dealers, but they often upcharge.

Year & Make a Car

The days are long gone where a single lost car keys replacement cost car key wasn't important. Modern cars are more sophisticated, and that means their keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart key could cost you as much as $350.

This is because modern cars utilize electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are electronic devices that have circuitry, a battery and transponder chip that are all paired with your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated procedure that requires special tools and knowledge to master.

There are many ways to save on replacement car key keys for your car. By comparing the prices of keys and features prior to purchasing you will be better aware of the amount you can expect to spend on new keys.

One of the biggest factors that affect the price of your replacement car keys is the year and make of the vehicle. Many modern cars come with transponder chips that need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This is a lengthy and costly procedure.

It is cheaper to replace older cars and keys that do not contain transponder chips. Additionally, you can often save money on car keys replacement by using a third-party service or buying your new key on the internet.

You may also want to think about buying a portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that can aid you in finding your car keys should they get lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are simple to use with an app for smartphones.

Keep in mind that losing or misplacing your keys to your car can cost you money. It is best to always carry a spare. If you don't have an extra, it's worth checking with your dealership to see if it offers an opportunity to replace your keys for free as part of your vehicle's warranty, roadside assistance extra add-ons, or an extended bumper-to-bumper protection. These programs provide up to $400 in replacement car key costs each year and are worth the peace of mind they provide.

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