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The Cost of a Replacement Car Key It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It is important to remember that a replacement key for your car might not cost as much as you think. The cost of replacing a car key varies based on several factors, including the type of key you need and your location. auto key replacement that are traditional are the cheapest while smart keys are the most costly. Cost of the parts Depending on the type of key you require the price will vary. Keys with transponder chips that are standard are available for $50 to $110. The costs increase if you need an ignition key equipped with a transponder chip or a vehicle with a push-to-start feature which requires an additional fob to activate the car. Those types of keys can be costly to duplicate or replace, and are more difficult for thieves to steal. The cost will also be affected by the year, make and model of vehicle you own. Newer cars may have transponder chips that need to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer. That means that a spare key will have to be programmed with the car, which can add up to $200. The cost of replacing keys is also affected by: Auto locksmiths may be the cheapest however, they don't have the tools needed to deal with advanced key fobs or vehicles. If you don't have the appropriate tools, it could be difficult to duplicate the basic key from the hardware store. You can also seek roadside assistance to help find a replacement key however, they'll likely transport your vehicle to a dealership, and the process could take a few days to complete. If you have an old key fob, it's best to buy laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them by yourself. However, this is becoming more difficult as key fobs are often equipped with security features to guard against theft. Many companies offer software programs to make keys. However, these are only a service to customers with service contracts. Most locksmiths will not open vehicles that have been forced to open or tampered. Insurance providers will be alerted when you make use of wire hangers to open your car. Cost of Labor The cost of replacing the car key will vary on the type of key you require. A standard double-edged car keys can be duplicated at a local hardware store for less than $10. To program and create more advanced keys, you'll need special equipment. This can dramatically increase the cost of replacing your car keys. You'll also require a new key fob in case your vehicle is equipped with one to unlock it and start it. The cost can be up to $200, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Additionally, many newer vehicles also have a transponder chip in the key that needs to be replaced and programmed in order to function properly. This is a price that is difficult to estimate before the key is lost and must be replaced. To create a new replacement key, a specially-designed cutting machine is required. They are expensive and aren't readily available to people who do not have an auto repair shop. The key housing needs to be replaced, which may increase the cost of replacing a key. Depending on the type of car key it is possible that you will need to purchase other replacement parts. For example, some key fobs come with features such as panic and remote lock/unlock buttons that can add to overall cost. Additionally, some key fobs require batteries that can be quite pricey to replace. It is advisable to create a spare key before you lose your original. This will allow you to avoid the anxiety of losing your keys and also ensure that you have another backup. If you do end up needing a new key, you should look for 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 a dealer and could allow you to avoid the high costs associated with these options. If you have an ignition key that requires programming, it's essential to keep a record of your 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 can be provided to a locksmith or auto dealer for a small fee. Cost of Equipment Modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock or unlock and even start the car just by pressing the button. These devices are useful, but they are expensive to replace if they become damaged or lost. Locksmiths can save you money when they replace keys without needing to replace the device. There are a few aspects to take into consideration 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 they can be difficult to duplicate. This is particularly the case for modern car keys transponders that must be programmed into the vehicle. This process can be done by a professional, however it will generally cost more than a simple key copy. The type of vehicle can also affect the cost. Older cars and basic keys are more affordable to replace, but the most modern cars typically require a separate device to start the car, and can cost up to $500 to replace. The type of key as well as the location of the car can also impact the cost of a new key. You could be charged more to tow your vehicle to the nearest dealership if you lose your keys in an area unfamiliar. This cost is prevented by keeping a spare key in a secure place like at home or work. It is also important to understand that most times, a new car key has to be programmed by a dealer. This is due to the fact that the majority of major dealers do not provide mobile key programming and can only perform this service in their workshop. This can be a big expense in the case of losing your car's only set of keys, therefore it is recommended to be proactive and keep a spare with you at all times. Cost of replacing keys Based on the brand and model of your vehicle You may need to purchase replacement keys from an auto dealer or locksmith. Check the key of your car to determine if it is equipped with an electronic transponder or smart key chip. These technologies could increase the cost of replacing your car's key. A classic car without a keyfob is cheap and can be duplicated in a local hardware shop for less than $25. It's best to have a spare in case you lose your 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 have to contact the car manufacturer for a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The cost of the replacement key fob can range from $50 to $125. In certain cases you can get a key fob replaced at the dealership so long as you show proof of ownership using registration or title. Dealers might charge an additional fee to cover travel costs and the time spent in an unreachable location. You can also purchase an aftermarket car key online, or directly from the manufacturer. This option may be cheaper however it's more risky due to the fact that the quality of the keys cannot be assured. It is not advisable to break into your vehicle using wire hangers or force, as this could trigger alarms and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to unlock your car's door. This could also cause damage to the lock and lead to cost-plus charges for a full repair or replacement. If you can find your car keys, it could be worth it to have them cloned by an auto specialist rather than at the dealership. This could save you a lot of cash, particularly if have a spare key at home.