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The Cost of a Replacement Car Key It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. But it's important to remember that a replacement key may not cost as much as you think. The cost of replacing a car key depends on several aspects, including the type of key you need and the location of your home. Keys that are traditional are the cheapest, while the smart keys are more expensive. Cost of Parts The cost will vary depending on the type of key that you need. Standard keys without transponder chips are priced from $50 to $110. If you require a keyfob with a chip or a push to start vehicle that requires a second fob, the price will increase. These types of keys are costly to duplicate or replace, and are difficult for car thieves to break into. The year the make and model of your car will also impact the cost. car key replacement may have transponder chips that need to be linked to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith. This means that the spare key needs to be programmed to work with the car, which can add up to $200. The cost of replacement keys is also affected by: Auto locksmiths are the most affordable option, but they don't have all the equipment required to deal with more advanced key fobs and vehicles. You can try to copy the basic key yourself in a hardware shop, but the process is time-consuming and difficult if you do not have the proper tools. You can also use roadside assistance to help get a replacement key, but they will likely tow your car to a dealer and the process could take a few days to complete. If you own a newer key fob, the most efficient method to save money is to purchase all-in one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. However, this is becoming more and more difficult since the majority of key fobs come with security features to guard against theft. Many companies offer software to design keys. However, these are only an option to customers with service contracts. In attempting to circumvent these restrictions can cause problems as most locksmiths will not allow cars to be opened if they were forced or tampered with. Insurance companies will be notified when you employ wire hangers to open your car. Cost of Labor The type of car key that you need will determine how much it will cost to replace. A standard double-edged car keys can be duplicated at your local hardware store for less than $10. To program and create more advanced keys, you will need special machines. This can significantly increase the total cost of replacing keys for cars. You'll also require a new key fob if the vehicle is equipped with one to unlock and start it. This can run up to $200, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. Many newer vehicles use a transponder in the key, which needs to be programmed and replaced to work properly. This is a cost that is difficult to estimate prior to the time that the key is lost and has to be replaced. A specialized cutting machine is also required to make the new key replacement. These can be expensive to purchase and not readily available to those who do not have a mechanic's shop. The key housing also needs to be replaced, which could increase the cost of a replacement key. Depending on the type of car key you have, you may have to purchase other replacement parts as well. For instance, certain key fobs come with features like remote lock/unlock and panic buttons which can increase the overall cost. Furthermore, certain key fobs need a battery that can be quite pricey to replace. It is best to create an additional key prior to the time you lose your primary. This will ease the anxiety of losing your keys, and ensure you have a backup. If you need a new key, seek out a locksmith or a car dealer that has the proper equipment to work with your car. This will be less expensive than getting a new one from the dealership and should allow you to avoid the high cost associated with those alternatives. If you own an ignition key that requires programming, it's essential to keep a record of the immobilizer code or the key number in case you need to get it reprogrammed in the future. This information is normally located on your title or registration and is available to an auto dealer or locksmith for a fee. Cost of Equipment Modern automobiles have key fobs which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle by pressing one button. These devices are extremely convenient, however they can also be expensive to replace if damaged or lost. Locksmiths can save you money when they replace keys without having to replace the device. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration when determining the price of the replacement of a car key. The Year, Make & Model of the Vehicle There are numerous kinds of car keys, ranging from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These key types are very distinct, and they can be difficult to duplicate. This is especially relevant for modern car keys, which have transponders in them that need to be programmed to the vehicle. This can be done by a professional, however it will cost more than a regular key copy. The model of car you drive can also affect the cost. Keys for older cars and simple models are less expensive to replace, however the most sophisticated cars will typically require a separate device to start the car, which could cost as much as $500 to replace. The type of key and location of the vehicle could also influence the cost of a replacement key. If you lose your keys in an unfamiliar area, you may be charged a higher fee for towing your car to the nearest dealer to have a new one programmed. You can cut down on this expense by keeping a spare key in a safe location, such as your home or office. It is also important to remember that, most times the new car key must be programmed at the dealer. This is because most main dealers do not have mobile key programming services and can only do this in their workshop. It could be costly in the event that you lose your primary set of keys. So, it's better to keep a spare set with you. Cost of Key Replacement You may have to purchase replacement keys from an automotive locksmith or a dealer depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Check your vehicle's key to determine if it's a transponder or smart key chip. These technologies can increase the cost of replacing your car's keys. A typical car key that is not key fobs is cheap and can typically be duplicated at an hardware store in your area for under $25. It's a good idea to have a backup in case you lose the original. Most recent cars come with an ignition key that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your car. This could be a big issue to replace in the event of it being lost, as you'll need to contact the manufacturer of the car for a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The cost of the replacement key fob can range between $50 and $125. In certain instances you may be able to have your key fob repaired at the dealership as long as you can prove ownership by proving registration or title. However, the dealer could charge an additional fee for the service to cover the cost of travel and time spent on a remote location. You can also buy an aftermarket car key online or directly from the manufacturer. This is a cheaper option, but it is also more risky due to the fact that the quality of the keys cannot be assured. Do not attempt to gain entry into your car using wire hangers or even force, as this could raise red flags and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to open your car door. It could also damage the lock, which could result in additional charges for a complete repair or replacement. If you can locate your car keys, it may be worth the extra cost to have them copied by an auto repair shop instead of the dealership. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you have a spare key at home.