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The Cost of a Replacement Car Key It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It's important to keep in mind that a replacement key may not cost as much as you think. The cost of replacing a car key depends on several factors, including the type of key you require and your location. Traditional keys are the least costly while the smart keys are more expensive. Cost of the parts Depending on what type of key you require the price will vary. Keys with transponder chips that are standard are available for $50 to $110. If you require the keyfob to be chipped or a push-to-start vehicle that requires a second fob, the cost will rise. Keys with these types of features are costly to duplicate or replace and are difficult for car thieves to break into. The cost is also affected by the year, model and year of car you own. The transponder chip in newer vehicles will need to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that keys that are replaced will need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle, which could cost as much as $200. The cost of replacement keys is also affected by: Auto locksmiths might be the most expensive however they do not have the equipment to handle advanced key fobs or vehicles. You can copy a basic key by yourself at a hardware store, however, the process takes a long time and can be difficult when you don't have the right tools. You can also seek roadside assistance to assist you find a replacement key however, they'll likely tow your car to a dealer and the process could take days to complete. If you have a newer key fob, the most efficient way to reduce your costs is to purchase all-in-one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. But this is becoming more difficult since key fobs are often equipped with security features to guard against theft. Numerous companies offer software to make keys. However, these are only an option to customers with service contracts. If you try to get around these restrictions, it can cause problems as most locksmiths will not allow cars to be opened if they were forced or tampered with. If you're able to use wire hangers or some other method to open the car it will set off red flags for insurance companies. 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 usually be duplicated at your local hardware store for less than $10. To program and make more advanced keys, you will need special machines. This can significantly increase the cost of replacing your car keys. If your vehicle has the key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll need to install a new key fob also. It can cost as high as $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Furthermore, many of the newer models also have a transponder chip inside the key that needs to be replaced and programmed to function properly. This is a price that is hard to estimate prior to the time that the key is lost and needs to be replaced. A cutting machine with specialized capabilities is also required to create the new replacement key. These can be expensive to purchase and not readily available to those who do not have an auto mechanic's shop. The key housing must also be replaced, which may increase the cost of a replacement key. Based on the type of car key, you may need to buy other replacement parts as well. For example, some key fobs come with features like remote lock/unlock and panic buttons which can increase the overall costs. Certain key fobs also require batteries which can be costly to replace. It is best to make an extra car key before you lose the original one. This will ease the stress of losing your keys and also ensure that you have a backup. If you do end up needing a new key, seek out a locksmith or car dealer with the right equipment to work with your car. It will cost less than purchasing a new key from the dealer and will save you the fees that are high with this option. It is important to keep an inventory of your immobilizer code and key number in case you need to reprogramme a key. This information can be found on your registration, title or other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer will charge a fee for providing this information. Cost of Equipment Modern vehicles 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 they are lost or broken. Locksmiths can save you money by replacing keys without needing to replace the device. However, there are several things to consider when determining the cost of a replacement car key. The Year, Make & Model of the vehicle There are numerous kinds of car keys ranging from laser-cut keys to switchblades. Keys of this kind are distinct and are difficult to duplicate. This is particularly relevant for modern car key transponders that must be programmed into the vehicle. This can be done by a professional, however it will cost more than a standard key copy. Another aspect that could affect the cost of replacing a car key is the model of car. Older cars and basic keys are less expensive to replace, however the most sophisticated cars will typically require a special device to start the car, which can cost up to $500 to replace. The type of key as well as the location of the car could also affect the cost of a new car key. It could cost you more to tow your vehicle to the nearest dealer if you lose your keys in an area unknown. You can cut down on this expense by keeping an extra key in a safe place in your home, like at work or office. It is important to note that the new key will most likely require programming by the dealer. This is due to the fact that most major dealers don't have mobile key programming services and can only do this in their workshop. This could be a significant expense if you end up losing your car's only set of keys, therefore it is best to be proactive and keep a spare with you always. Cost of Key Replacement You might need to purchase replacement keys from an auto locksmith or a dealer, depending on the make and models of your vehicle. Check the key of your car to determine if it's a transponder or smart key chip. vehicle key replacement could increase the cost of your car key replacement. A typical car key that is not key fobs is inexpensive and can usually be duplicated at an hardware store in your area for under $25. It is recommended to keep an extra in the event that you lose the original. More recent cars have keys that emit an electronic signal to unlock and start the car. This can be a major hassle to replace in the event of it being lost, as you will need to contact the car manufacturer for a new key and have it paired with your vehicle. vehicle key replacement of a typical key fob replacement could be anywhere between $50-$150. In certain cases you may be able to have your key fob repaired at the dealership as long as you can prove ownership with proof of registration or title. Dealers may charge an additional fee to cover the cost of travel and time spent at an unreachable location. You can also buy an aftermarket car key online, or directly from the manufacturer. This is a cheaper option however it's more risky as the quality of the keys can't be assured. It is not advisable to break into your own vehicle using wire hangers or force, because this could trigger alarms and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to open the door of your car. This could also cause damage to the lock and result in cost-plus charges for a full repair or replacement. If you are able to locate your car keys, it could be worth the extra cost to have them duplicated by an auto technician rather than at the dealership. This could help you save money, especially if there is an extra car key at home.