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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 might not be as costly as you think. The cost of purchasing a new car key is determined by several aspects, including the kind of replacement key you require and the location of your home. Keys that are traditional are the most affordable while the smart keys are more expensive. Cost of parts Based on the kind of key you require the price can differ. Keys that are standard, but without transponder chips are available for copying between $50 to $110. The price increases if you need an ignition key with a transponder chip, or a vehicle with a push-to-start feature that requires an extra fob to start the car. Keys with transponder chips are expensive to duplicate and replace, and they are also more difficult to steal. The cost can also be dependent on the year, make and type of vehicle you own. The transponder chip in newer vehicles will have to be paired with an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that a replacement key will need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle, which could cost up to $200. Other factors that influence the cost of replacement keys include: Auto locksmiths are often the cheapest however they do not have the equipment needed to handle complex key fobs or vehicles. If you don't have the appropriate tools, it can be difficult to copy a simple key at an hardware shop. You can also use roadside assistance to help you obtain a new key, but they will likely take your vehicle to a dealership, and the process could take several days to complete. If you own a newer key fob, the most efficient way to reduce your costs is to buy all-in-one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. But this is becoming more and more difficult as many key fobs have security features that prevent theft. Numerous companies offer software to make keys. However, these are only an option for customers who have service contracts. If you try to get around these restrictions, it can lead to problems, since locksmiths generally do not open cars that have been forced or tampered with. Insurance providers will be alerted when you use 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. For less than $10, a standard double-edged key can be duplicated at the local hardware store. However, more advanced keys require special equipment to create and program. This could significantly increase the cost of replacing your car keys. If your car has an ignition key to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll need have a new fob installed also. The cost can be up to $200 depending on your vehicle's make and model. In addition, many modern vehicles also have a transponder chip in the key that needs to be replaced and programmed in order to work correctly. This is an additional cost that is difficult to estimate until the key is actually lost and must be replaced. To make a new replacement key, a specially-designed cutting machine is required. These can be expensive to purchase and not accessible to people who don't have a mechanic's shop. In addition, the housing of the key is also required to be replaced and this can increase the overall cost of the replacement key for your car. Depending on the car key type it is possible that you will need to purchase replacement parts. For example, some key fobs include features such as panic and remote lock/unlock buttons that can add to the total cost. Certain key fobs also need a battery which can be costly to replace. It is best to make a spare car key prior to the time you lose your original key. This will ease the stress of losing your keys and ensure you have a backup. If you do end up needing an additional key, look for an auto dealer or locksmith with the right equipment to work with your car. This will be less expensive than buying a new key from a dealer, and you will avoid the cost-intensive fees associated with this option. If you own an ignition key that requires programming, it's important to keep a record of your immobilizer code, or the key number in case you need to have it reprogrammed later on. This information is available on your registration and title or any other document. A locksmith or auto dealer may charge a fee to supply this information. Cost of Equipment Modern cars have key fobs which can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle by pressing the button. These devices can be very convenient, but expensive to replace if they become damaged or lost. Fortunately, locksmiths can save you money by replacing these kinds of keys without the expense of replacing the device itself. There are a variety of factors to take into account when determining the price of a new car key. The year, make and model of the vehicle There are many types 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 true for modern car key transponders, which must be programmed into the vehicle. This can be done by a professional, but will cost more than a regular key copy. Another factor that can affect the cost of replacing a car key is the type of car. Older cars with basic keys cost less to replace. However, the most advanced cars require a special device that can cost up $500 to replace. The key type and location of the vehicle may affect the cost of a replacement car key. It could cost you more to tow your car to the nearest dealer if you lose your keys somewhere in a foreign location. You can save this cost by keeping a spare key in a safe place like your home or office. It is also important to understand that, most of the time keys for new cars has to be programmed by a dealer. This is due to the fact that most major dealers don't offer mobile key programming facilities and can only do this in their workshop. This can be a big expense in the case of losing your only set of car keys, therefore it is best to take preventative measures and keep a spare set with you at all times. replacement key fobs for cars of Key Replacement 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 locksmith. Examine the key in your vehicle to see if it has a transponder or smart key chip. These technologies can raise the cost of replacing your car's keys. A typical car key that is not key fobs is affordable and can be duplicated at a local hardware store for less than $25. It's best to have a spare in the event that you lose the original. Most recent cars come with an ignition key that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your vehicle. It can be a hassle 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 an alternative key fob ranges from $50 to $125. In some cases you can replace a keyfob at a dealer if you provide evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title. However, the dealer might still charge an extra fee for the service to cover travel costs and time spent at a remote location. Alternately, you can purchase an aftermarket key on the internet or even directly from the vehicle manufacturer. This may be less expensive however it's more risky due to the fact that the quality of the keys cannot be assured. Do not attempt to hack into your car using wire hangers or force. This could set off alarms and make it more difficult for a locksmith to unlock the door. This could also damage the lock and result in additional charges for a complete repair or replacement. If you're able to locate your car keys, it could be worth the extra expense to have them copied by an auto repair shop instead of the dealership. This could save you money, especially in the event that you have a spare car key at home.