The Cost of a Replacement Car Key

Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. It's important to keep in mind that a replacement key may not be as expensive as you think.

The cost of purchasing a new car key is determined by a variety of factors including the type of replacement key you require and the location of your home. The traditional keys are the most affordable, while the smart keys are more expensive.

Cost of parts

Based on the type of key you require the price can differ. Keys that are standard and do not have transponder chips can be copied for anywhere between $50 and $110. If you need an electronic keyfob or a push to start vehicle that requires a second fob the cost will rise. Keys with these types of features can be expensive to duplicate or replace, and are difficult for car thieves to gain access to.

The year, make and model of your car can also affect the cost. Newer vehicles may come with transponder chips which need to be paired with the car by an auto locksmith or dealer. That means that the spare key needs to be programmed to work with the car. This could cost up to $200. Other factors that influence the cost of replacement keys include:

Auto locksmiths are the most affordable alternative, but they don't have the equipment required to deal with more advanced key fobs and vehicles. You can attempt to duplicate the basic key yourself at a hardware store, however, the process takes a long time and difficult in the absence of the right tools. You can also rely on roadside assistance to assist you obtain a new key, but they will likely tow your car to a dealer and the process could take a few days to complete.

If you have an old key fob, it is best to buy laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them yourself. This is becoming more difficult as a lot of key fobs have security features that can prevent theft. Many companies have software programs that can be used to create keys, however these are generally only available to customers who have service contracts or as a courtesy from the dealership. If you try to get around these restrictions, it can lead to problems, as most locksmiths will not allow cars to be opened if they were forced or tampered with. Insurance companies will be alerted if you employ wire hangers to open your vehicle.

Cost of Labor

The cost of replacing the car key will vary on the type you need. For less than $10, a conventional double-edged key can be duplicated at the local hardware store. However, more advanced keys require special equipment to create and program. This can dramatically increase the cost of replacing your car keys.

If your car has a key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll need to have a new fob installed also. This can run up to $200, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Many modern vehicles have a transponder in the key, which needs to be programmed and re-installed in order to work correctly. This is a cost that can be difficult to estimate until the key actually is lost and needs to be replaced.

To create a replacement key, a specially-designed cutting machine is required. These can be expensive to purchase and are not easily accessible for people without access to a mechanic's workshop. The key housing also 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 additional replacement parts. For instance, some key fobs include features such as remote lock/unlock and panic buttons which can increase the overall cost. Some key fobs also require batteries that can be costly to replace.

It is advisable to make a spare car key before you lose the original one. This will allow you to avoid the stress of losing your keys, and ensure that you have an extra. If you need a replacement car key, locate an authorized locksmith or dealer who has the right equipment to work on your car. This will be cheaper than purchasing a new one from the dealership and should enable you to avoid some of the high fees associated with those options.

If you own an ignition key that requires programming, you must have a record of the immobilizer code or the key number in case you have to get it reprogrammed in the future. This information can be found on your registration, title or other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer may charge a fee to supply this information.

Cost of Equipment

Modern cars come with key fobs that can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle by simply pressing one button. These devices can be very useful, but they are expensive to replace when they're lost or damaged. Locksmiths can save you money when they replace keys without needing to replace the device. There are a few things to consider when the cost of replacing a car key.

The year, make and model of the vehicle

There are many types of car keys, ranging from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These key types are very distinct, and they can be difficult to duplicate. This is especially relevant for modern car key transponders that need to be programmed into the vehicle. This process can be done by a professional, however it is generally more expensive than a simple copy of the key.

The model of car you drive can affect the price. Keys for older cars that are basic cost less to replace. However the most sophisticated automobiles require a specific device that can cost upwards of $500 to replace.

The key type and location of the vehicle can affect the cost of a replacement key. If you lose your keys in an unfamiliar area, you could be charged a higher price to tow your car to the nearest dealer to get a new key programmed. This cost can be avoided by keeping an extra key in a safe place such as at home or work.

It is important to remember that keys that are new will likely to need to be programmed by the dealer. It is because the majority of main dealers do not offer mobile key replacements for cars programming and only perform this service in their workshop. This can be a big cost in the event of losing your only set of car keys, nearest which is why it's better to take preventative measures and carry a spare with you at all times.

Cost of Replacement Keys

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle depending on the make and model of your car, you may have to purchase replacement keys from an auto dealer or locksmith. Check the key of your car to determine if it's a smart key or transponder chip. These technologies can raise the cost of replacing your car's key.

A typical car that does not have a keyfob can be cheap and can be duplicated at a local hardware shop for less than $25. It is recommended to have an extra in the event that you lose the original.

Modern cars have a key fob that emits an electronic signal to unlock and start the car. It can be a challenge to replace in the event of a loss in the event that you lose it, since you'll need to contact the manufacturer to get a new one and pair it with your vehicle. The cost of a replacement key fob ranges between $50 and $125.

In certain instances, you can have a key fob repaired at the dealership as long as you prove ownership with proof of registration or title. Dealers may charge an additional fee to cover travel costs and time spent in an unreachable location. Alternately, you can purchase an aftermarket key online, or even directly from the manufacturer. This may be less expensive, but it is also more risky as the quality of the keys can't be assured.

Do not attempt to hack into your car using wire hangers or force. This could raise alarms and make it harder for a locksmith to open the door. This could also damage the lock, which would cause more expensive repairs or replacements. If you are able to locate your car keys, it could be worth the extra expense to have them duplicated by an auto specialist instead of the dealership. This could save you money, particularly in the event that you have an extra car key in your home.