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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? It's a pain and a cost to lose your car keys. The cost to replace them is dependent on the type of key and the location where it is made. Traditional keys are usually copied by locksmiths for less than $10, but many newer cars use transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Keys cut with lasers and blades are more expensive, and require an appointment with the dealer. Model and Make of Your Vehicle If you lose your car keys it can be an extremely stressful and difficult. However, if you have an additional key and are aware of the kind of car key you lost, the process can be a bit more straightforward. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith will probably make a duplicate fairly quickly and easily. However, more sophisticated types of keys require specific skills to copy. These keys also need to be reprogrammed. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a replacement. The kind of key lost will also determine how much it will cost to replace. For example, traditional mechanical keys that insert into the ignition cylinder will cost less replace than a key fob, which has a special transponder that must be programmed. Key fobs will typically cost more to replace if it comes with a switchblade key or other features that are specialized. If you decide to replace your key with the help of a professional or do it yourself could have an impact on the cost of replacing your car keys as well. Professionals usually charge more than DIY methods, but they can save you time and frustration. They also have the best knowledge in your particular type of vehicle. While having a car key replaced can be expensive but it's worth it in the long term. It's a good idea to learn about the elements that influence the cost to be able to plan your budget in advance. Find a local auto locksmith to obtain an estimate of the cost of your car key. They will be able to provide you with an estimate based on the make and model of your car. They'll also have the tools needed to do a quality job. Roadside assistance is a different option however it can be costly. It's worth noting that your insurance provider may offer this service as part of your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they'll offer the services you require. Dealerships It wasn't that long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing keys was not a huge problem. You could simply contact roadside assistance to get your car towed to a dealership, purchase a new key and get back on the road in no time. As cars have evolved in terms of technology, so have their keys. This makes them more costly to replace. Avoiding the dealership is the best way to save on expenses, unless you need the purchase of a new key remote key fob or transponder key. Instead, find an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that offers OEM or third-party keys for much less cost. A lot of these shops have an online search tool that will assist you in finding a nearby store. It's also worth searching for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, as these are usually cheaper than dealerships. The downside is that they may not have the type of key you require and may have to purchase it for you. If they do have the key, you could expect to be charged between $200 and $350. Dealers might offer in-house services to replace keys for cars or resolve other lockout problems, but these are still more expensive than a locksmith who is independent. This is particularly applicable to popular car brands such as Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chips are more complicated and expensive to replace than those of other manufacturers'. If you end up at a dealership, be sure you inquire whether there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, contacting the dealership to mention the warranty may help you save money. They might even be in a position to send a mobile locksmith to your address to unlock your car and make a new key right there. This is a great solution for those who don't have the patience to wait for your dealership to install and order your key. You can save up to half by hiring an independent locksmith instead of the service center of the dealership. Independent Locksmiths Losing your car keys is not only stressful, but can also be costly. The most cost-effective option to replace the lost key is to search for an independent locksmith, as they typically cost less than going to the dealership and do not have the same overhead costs. If you already have a working key the cost of a new key will vary. If you have it the latter, the cost will be much less as a copy can be made from the key that is currently in use and doesn't require programming. car fob replacement key of the time, mechanical keys that do not include a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10. Modern electronic key fobs on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to be compatible with your vehicle's system. Based on the car's model and make, this process can be as simple as typing the code or as intricate as utilizing a decryptor to reprogram the key for proper operation. In the end, it is important to remember that the location of your car will also affect the cost of getting an alternative key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, getting the car key replaced could be more costly as there may not be anyone close to help with the process. In this type of situation, most people rely on roadside help however, it can be costly and only cover a fraction of the cost. One thing that can be helpful to remember when calculating the cost of replacing your keys is that many locksmiths who are independent will offer discounts on their services for first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. This is due to the fact that they want to grow their business and rely on word-of-mouth marketing instead of costly advertisements. A final suggestion is to always keep a spare key, as this will not only save you from the hassle of dealing with lost car keys however, it will be much cheaper than trying to replace keys that have been lost at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key, call your insurance provider and ask for more information. Some insurance companies offer the option of a fee to replace keys that are lost. Key Replacement There are a myriad of aspects that could affect the cost of an additional key for your vehicle, whether you have lost yours or you need to replace it. The first thing you need to do is write down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number), as this will assist you in determining where you'll need to go to obtain a new key. This number can be found on the driver's dashboard or in the owner's manual. You may have go to a dealer to get a new key in the event that yours has an electronic transponder. These chips communicate with the vehicle to start it, which is why they have to be programmed to work. This is accomplished using special machines that are usually only available at the dealership and can cost up to $200 for a replacement fob and key. If your car has a traditional key with no transponder chips, you should be able to find a locksmith that can duplicate it for a much lower price. Depending on the type of key, it could be as little as $10 or even $150 for an entire set of replacement keys. Different types of keys are a little more difficult to duplicate and may be more expensive. If you have a switchblade type key that folds into the fob this is often more expensive than other key types, as it is more labor-intensive to make. Another option that can be costly is a smart key that uses the proximity sensor to open the car door. It is difficult to reprogram and will cost you the most for an alternative key. If you don't have the luxury of going to a dealership for your new key, try to find a local auto locksmith who is knowledgeable about the brand of vehicle you use. They will likely be able to offer a lower estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some even offer mobile service that will come to your workplace or home to cut and program the keys for you.