The Cost of a Replacement Car Key

It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. It's important to keep in mind that a replacement key for your car might not cost more than you think.

The cost of a new car key is determined by various aspects, including the kind of replacement key you need and the location you live in. Keys that are traditional are the cheapest while smart keys are the most expensive.

Cost of Parts

The cost will vary depending on the type of key that you require. Standard keys that have no transponder chips are available for copying between $50 to $110. The costs increase when you require an ignition key equipped with a transponder chip or a vehicle with a push-to-start feature that requires a second fob to turn on the car. Keys with transponder chips are expensive to duplicate and replace, and harder to steal.

The year and make of your vehicle will also affect the cost. The transponder chip that is used in newer vehicles will have to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. That means that the spare key needs to be programmed to work with the car, which could cost as much as $200. Other factors that influence the cost of replacement keys are:

Auto locksmiths might be the most expensive, but they lack the equipment to handle advanced key fobs or vehicles. If you don't have the right tools, it could be difficult to duplicate an ordinary key at a hardware shop. You can also use roadside assistance to help get a replacement key, but they will likely take your vehicle to a dealership and the process could take several days to complete.

If you own a more recent key fob, the best way to reduce your costs is to purchase all-in one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. This is becoming more difficult, as many key fobs have security features that can prevent theft. Many companies have software programs that can be used to create keys, however these are usually only available to those with service contracts or as a service offered by the dealership. Most locksmiths won't open vehicles that have been forced to open or tampered. If you're able to employ wire hangers or a different method to open the car and then set off red flags for insurance companies.

Cost of Labor

The type of car key you need will determine how much it will cost to replace. A standard double-edged car key is usually duplicated at a local hardware store for less than $10. To program and make more sophisticated keys, you'll require special equipment. This can increase the cost of replacing keys for cars.

If your vehicle has the key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll need have a new fob installed in addition. It could cost up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle. In addition, many modern vehicles also use a transponder chip inside the key that needs to be replaced and programmed to work properly. This is a cost that can be difficult to estimate until the key actually is lost and requires to be replaced.

A cutting machine that is specialized is also required for the creation of the new key replacement. They can be costly to purchase and are not easily accessible for people without a mechanic's shop. Furthermore, the key's housing needs to be replaced too, which can add to the total cost of the replacement keys for car key for your car.

Depending on the type of car key you have, you might need to purchase other replacement parts as well. Certain key fobs, for instance, come with features such as panic or remote lock/unlock buttons which can add to overall costs. Certain key fobs also require a battery which can be costly to replace.

It is advisable to make an extra car key before you lose the one you have. This will reduce the stress of losing your keys and will ensure that you always have a functioning backup. If you need a replacement car key, you should find an authorized locksmith or dealer who is equipped to work on your vehicle. This will be less expensive than purchasing a new key from the dealer and will save you the fees that are high with this method.

If you own a key that requires programming, it's essential to keep a record of the immobilizer code, or the key number in case you have to have it reprogrammed later on. This information is usually found on your registration or title and is available to a locksmith or auto dealer for a small fee.

Cost of Equipment

Modern cars come with key fobs that are able to lock, unlock, and even start the car with just a button. These devices can be extremely convenient, however they can be costly to replace if they become lost or damaged. Fortunately, locksmiths can save you money by replacing these kinds of keys, without the expense of replacing the device itself. There are several factors to take into account when determining the cost of a new car key.

The year, the make and model of the vehicle

There are a variety of keys for cars, from basic, laser cut keys to switchesblade keys. These keys are distinct and can be difficult to duplicate. This is especially true for modern car keys that have transponders that need to be programmed to the vehicle. This process can be done by a specialist, but it will generally cost more than a simple copy of the key.

The type of vehicle can also affect the cost. Keys for older cars and simple models are cheaper to replace, however the most sophisticated cars will typically require a separate 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 influence the cost of a new car key. If you lose your keys in a foreign location, you could be charged a higher price for towing your car to the nearest dealer to have a new one programmed. You can save this cost by keeping an extra key in a secure location in your home, like at work or office.

It is also important to know that most times, a new car key is programmed by the dealer. This is because the majority of dealers do not provide mobile key programming and nearest only perform this service in their workshop. This could be a huge cost in the event of losing your only set of car keys, which is why it's best to take preventative measures 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. Before you do this, make sure to check the type of your car's keys and whether it is equipped with a transponder chip or smart key technology. These technologies can increase the cost of your vehicle key replacement.

A typical car that does not have a keyfob can be cheap and can be duplicated in an area hardware store for less than $25. It's best to have an extra in case you lose the original.

More recent cars have keys that emit an electronic signal to unlock and start the car. This could be a big problem to replace in the event that it gets lost, since you'll have 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 some cases you can replace a keyfob at a dealer if you provide evidence of ownership, like an official registration or a title. However, the dealer could still charge an extra fee for the service to cover travel costs and time spent at a remote location. You can also buy an aftermarket car key online or directly from the manufacturer. This option may be cheaper, but it is also more risky as the quality of the keys cannot be assured.

Never try to get into your car with wire hangers or force. This could raise alarms and make it harder for locksmiths to open the door. This could also damage the lock, nearest which could result in additional charges for a complete repair or replacement. If you are able to locate your car keys, it might be worth the extra expense to have them copied by an auto specialist instead of the dealership. This can help you save money, especially in the event that you have an extra car key in your home.