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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? The loss of your car keys can be frustrating and expensive. The cost to replace keys is contingent on the type of key you have and where you get it made. Locksmiths can typically duplicate traditional keys for less than $10. However, a lot of newer vehicles use transponder chip technology which must be programmed at the dealership. Laser cut keys and key blades are more expensive and require an appointment with a dealer. Model and Make of Your Vehicle Losing your car keys could be stressful and frustrating. However, if you have an additional key and know the kind of car key you lost, the process may be a little easier. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith can likely make a duplicate quickly and easily. To duplicate more sophisticated keys, you'll need special skills. They also have to be reprogrammed. You'll be required to visit a dealer to get a replacement. The type of key that was lost will also determine how much it will cost to replace it. For instance, traditional mechanical keys that are inserted into the ignition cylinder are less expensive to replace than a key fob with a transponder that needs to be programmed. It is more expensive to replace the key fob, if it's equipped with a switchblade or special features. The cost of replacing your car keys may depend on the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help a professional. Professionals are more expensive than DIY methods, but they will save you time and frustration. They will also have the best knowledge with your specific type of vehicle. While getting a car key replaced can be expensive but it's worth it in the long term. It is important to be aware of all the variables that determine the cost of replacing your car keys so that you can plan for the future. The best method to figure out how much your car key will cost is to locate an auto locksmith near you. They will be able to provide you with a quote based on your specific car model and the make. They will have the necessary equipment to do a good job. Roadside assistance is another option, but it can be costly. It's important to note that your insurance provider may offer this service as a part of your policy. However, it's not always a guarantee that they'll provide the services you require. Dealerships It wasn't long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing them was not a big issue. You could call roadside assistance, have your car taken to a dealership, purchase an alternative key, and be back on the road in no time. As cars evolved in terms of technology and so have keys – and that makes them more costly to replace. The best way to save money is to not go to the dealer unless you require a new key fob, key remote, or transponder chip key. Look for an independent car locksmith or key replacement shop that can provide OEM or 3rd party keys at a fraction of the price. A lot of these shops provide an online search tool that can help you locate a store close to where you live. You should also try to find a place that can cut and program a standard-sized key, because they're typically cheaper than a dealership. They might not have your type of key in stock and will have to purchase it. If they do have the key you need, expect to be paying between $220 to $350 for the replacement and programming. Dealers may provide in-house services to replace keys for cars or fix other lockout issues However, these are more expensive than an independent locksmith. cost of a car key replacement is particularly applicable to the most popular automobile brands such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chip replacements are more costly and complex for these manufacturers. If you end up at a dealership, be sure to inquire whether there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may lower your cost. You might be able to have an emergency locksmith to your location. They will unlock your car on the spot and make a replacement key. This is a great solution if you don't have the funds to wait for a long time for the dealership to purchase the key and install it. In addition, you may be in a position to save as much as 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center. Independent Locksmiths Losing your car keys not just stressful, but can also be costly. The most cost-effective way to replace keys that have been lost is to search for an independent locksmith, as they usually cost less than going to the dealership and do not have the same overhead expenses. If you already have a working key, the cost of a new key will vary. If you do, it will cost much less as a copy can be made from the current key and does not require programming. Mechanical keys that are older and without a transponder can be copied for less than $10. Modern electronic key fobs, on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate since they must be programmed to be compatible with your vehicle's system. Based on the model and make the process could be as simple as entering the code, or as complicated as using a specific decryptor to modify the key for proper operation. In the end, it is important to remember that the location of your vehicle could also impact the cost of acquiring the new key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, having your car key replaced can be more expensive as there might not be any one close to help with the procedure. The majority of people in this scenario rely on roadside help however it can be costly and only cover a portion of the cost. One thing that can be useful to keep in mind when calculating the cost of replacing your key is that a lot of locksmiths offer discounts on their services for new 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 advertising. A final tip: always have a spare car key. This will avoid the headache of replacing keys that have been lost, and will be cheaper than trying to do so in the last minute. Additionally, if you are concerned about the expense of replacing your car key you can contact your insurance company for more information on their terms and conditions. Certain insurance companies provide the option of a fee to replace keys that are lost. Key Replacement If you've lost your keys or simply need to replace one that is old, there are a number of factors that will factor into the cost of acquiring a new car key. It is important to note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car. This will help you to determine where to go to find a replacement key. This number can be found on the dashboard of the driver or in your vehicle's owner's manual. Based on the year, make and model of your vehicle, you may need to visit a dealer in order to get new keys, particularly in the case of an electronic transponder chip. The chips need to be programmed in order to communicate with the vehicle in order to begin it. This is accomplished using special machines that are usually only available through the dealership and can cost as high as $200 for a new fob and key. If your car has traditional keys that do not have transponder chips it is likely to find a locksmith who can duplicate it for a much lesser cost. This could cost as little as $10 for one set of keys or $150, depending on the kind. Other kinds 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 can be more expensive than other key types because it requires more effort to create. Another expensive option is a smart key, which uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key may be costly. If you aren't able to afford going to a dealership for your new key, look for a local auto locksmith who is knowledgeable about the brand of car you drive. They are more likely to be more affordable in their price and will be more reliable that dealers. Some provide mobile services where they'll visit your office or home to cut keys and program them for you.