Losing or damaging your car’s original key is no minor inconvenience.
And the cost? It’s rarely straightforward. Especially if you find misfortune at an inopportune time and remote location.
On the bright side, auto locksmiths, like Mobile Locksmith Fix, can typically provide replacement car keys on the spot. So, as long you’re within their coverage area, or willing to shell out a few more bucks for emergency services, you’ll eventually find yourself back on the road in no time.
With that said, here’s how your circumstances and other factors can affect the cost of an auto key replacement service.
Factors Influencing Car Key Costs
Material of the Car Key
Traditional car keys are typically made from basic metals such as nickel, brass, or steel, making them relatively inexpensive to replace. On the other hand, more expensive materials or systems are used for modern car keys.
For example, a modern vehicle key made of plastic casings and rubber buttons will have internal electronic components, such as transponder chips and battery-operated key fobs, that make them more secure and expensive.
Technology Used for the Car Key
Car keys with modern technology embedded in them are more expensive.
After all, these keys provide an added layer of security such as keyless entry systems and smart keys, which use radio signals or Bluetooth technology to unlock and start the car.
Additionally, this modern programming may include bonus features like biometric sensors and remote lock/unlock.
Essentially, the more advanced the technology used in the key, the higher the cost will likely be for producing and replacing it.
Make and model of Your Car
Luxury and high-end vehicles often have more sophisticated key systems, which are more expensive and complex to tinker with.
In contrast, older or economy car models typically use simpler key systems, resulting in lower key cutting and key replacement costs.
Also, it’s worth noting that a new key for some make and model can only be replaced or reprogrammed by the car dealership or the manufacturer themselves.
Blank vs. Complete Key
A blank key refers to an uncut key that has not been programmed or fitted with any electronic components. These types of keys are essentially raw and must still be processed or programmed to become functional. Hence, they are less expensive.
Meanwhile, complete keys incur more cost because of the additional steps and specific technology involved in making them fully operational.
Whether You Have a Duplicate Key
Making a new key is easier and costs less when you have duplicate keys, particularly for keyless entry systems since a spare key will streamline the programming process.
Otherwise, the key has to be programmed from scratch.
Location
If the area is not covered or is too far from the nearest locksmith or roadside assistance, then you’re likely to incur additional costs.
Further, certain locations will have higher or lower demand for certain types of keys, and this, along with stock availability, may affect standard rates.
Time of the Day
If you need a replacement key during evenings, weekends, or holidays, you may incur additional fees for emergency or after-hours service.
Who Can Assist with Auto Key Replacement?
Auto Locksmith
Auto locksmiths are trained experts who are adept at dealing with various vehicle lock and key problems, including replacing and fixing keys.
For starters, auto locksmiths can promptly make new traditional car keys and modern transponder keys on the spot using specialised equipment. Moreover, auto locksmiths can assist if you are locked out of your car.
They can retrieve your keys, produce duplicates if required, and regain access to your automobile without causing any damage.
Auto locksmiths also offer emergency services, often available 24/7.
Roadside Assistance
Most roadside assistance services have access to qualified technicians who can create new keys on-site, or provide solutions for auto lockouts.
These specialists can handle all types of modern vehicle keys including a standard key, transponder key, and key fob.
For the latter two, roadside assistance technicians can program the car key replacement to make sure it’s functional and recognised by the vehicle’s security system.
Roadside assistance may only be available in select locations.
Car Dealer
Car dealers are well-equipped to assist with auto key replacement, especially manufacturer-specific solutions. For example, some modern car keys can only be duplicated and re-registered to the car’s security system with the help of your local car dealership.
Contact Mobile Locksmith Fix for an Accurate Cost
Whether it’s mechanical keys or advanced security systems, Mobile Locksmith Fix can offer rapid auto key replacement services in Brisbane and nearby suburbs. Just click on the link to fill out a contact form or call their auto locksmith hotline for an immediate and reliable quote.
