Lost your car key? Want to know what to do next? Here’s everything you need to know about car key replacement.
There are two kinds of car owners out there. The first kind of people safeguard their car keys like a treasure. The second kind, no points for guessing, keeps losing their keys! So, what should you do if you lose your car key? Will your auto insurance cover car key replacement? We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions on car key replacement in this post. Read on to find out more.
Before we answer the frequently asked questions, here are some helpful details on different types of car keys and key fobs. By knowing the type of key you have and how it works, you can make the car key replacement process hassle-free.
Traditional Key
This more or less works just like your house. If you lose this, you can easily replace it, provided you have a copy of the original key! Visit the nearest hardware store and get a new one. The replacement cost should be somewhere between $10 and $30.
Laser-Cut Keys
The laser-cut keys do not have multiple notches; instead, they have a single groove cut in the middle. These types of keys are harder to copy and expensive to replace, and they can cost up to $100.
Key fob
Using a key fob, you can lock and unlock your car at the click of a button. Some key fobs also let you start the engine. However, the replacement charge for this is quite high, and you will spend $200 to $500.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys or chipped keys have an RFID chip embedded in their heads. If you lose a transponder key and don’t have a backup key, your only option is to visit your dealership.
After filling out the necessary documents, you will have to wait for several days for the new key to arrive. This can cost you $250 – $300. Also, add the expenses for towing your car.
Smart Key
Smart keys, also called keyless ignition, are costly to replace. The push-button in your car is paired with the smart key. So, every time you push the ‘push button’ with the key near the car, the vehicle will start.
It saves you a lot of time starting your car. But if you lose the key, like a transponder key, you need to spend a lot of time and money to replace it. You’ll have to visit the dealership and wait until the new key arrives—this can take several days!
Whom Should I Contact for Car Key Replacement?
To replace your car’s key, contact a locksmith or the dealership where you bought it.
If you don’t have access to a spare key, the car dealership might have a replacement key to open your vehicle. You can contact roadside assistance and have your vehicle towed to the dealership. You can also try calling a mobile locksmith or a locksmith specializing in making car keys to begin the replacement process.
Sometimes, your car warranty could cover lockouts. Try contacting your dealer and check with him.
Does My Car Insurance Policy Cover Car Key Replacement?
This depends on what happened to your car keys. Most insurance companies, under comprehensive coverage, will provide some coverage if your car keys are stolen. Replacing car keys for fancy models can cost up to $1000.
Can My Roadside Assistance Help with Replacing the Key?
Not directly, but they could help you in the process. If you’ve roadside assistance in your insurance policy, they might send someone to help you unlock the door. The coverage will cover the cost of sending someone out. But you’ll have to bear the expenses of replacing the lost key.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
