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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? The loss of your car keys can be costly and frustrating. The cost to replace them depends on where and what type of key you have made. Traditional keys are usually copied by locksmiths for less than $10 but many newer cars use transponder chips which must be programmed by the dealer. Keys that are laser cut and blades are more expensive and require an appointment with a dealer. Make and Model of Your Vehicle If you lose your car keys it can be stressful and difficult. However, if you have an additional key and are aware of the kind of car key you lost, the process may be a bit easier. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith can likely duplicate it quickly and easily. However, more sophisticated types of keys require specialized skills to copy. These keys also need to be reprogrammed, so you'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a replacement. The type of key that was lost will also determine how much it will cost to replace it. For instance, mechanical keys that insert into the ignition cylinder will cost less to replace than a key fob which has a special transponder that has to be programmed. It is more expensive to replace the key fob if it's equipped with a switchblade or special features. Whether you choose to replace your key with the assistance of a professional or DIY could affect the cost of replacing your car key as well. Professionals usually cost more than DIY methods, but they can save you a lot of time and frustration. They also have the best knowledge regarding your specific vehicle. While getting a car key replaced can be costly however, it's worthwhile in the long run. It's recommended to be aware of the factors that determine the cost to be able to plan your budget in advance. The best way to figure out the price your car key will cost is to locate an auto locksmith in your area. They can provide an estimate based upon the make and model of your vehicle. They will have the necessary equipment to complete the job. Another option is calling roadside assistance, but this is more expensive. You should also note that your insurance provider may include this service in your policy. However, it's not always an assurance that they will provide the services you require. Dealerships It wasn't long ago that losing your keys to your car or loosing keys was not a huge problem. You could call roadside assistance, have your car towed to a dealership, purchase an alternative key, and get back on the road in a matter of minutes. As cars become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which makes them more costly to replace. The best method to save money is to avoid going to the dealership, unless you require a new key fob, key remote or transponder chip key. Find an independent car locksmith or key replacement shop that offers OEM or 3rd party keys at less than the cost. Many of these shops have an online search tool that can assist you in finding the nearest store. You should also try to locate a shop that can cut and program a standard-sized key, since they're generally cheaper than a dealership. The downside is that they might not have the key you require and may have to purchase it for you. If they have the key, you could expect to be charged between $200 and $350. Dealers may provide in-house services to replace keys for cars or solve other lockout issues, but these are still more expensive than a locksmith who is independent. This is particularly true for popular car brands such as Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complicated for these manufacturers. If you do end up at a dealer, make sure you inquire whether there are any guarantees that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty could lower your cost. They might even be in a position to send an mobile locksmith to your home to unlock your car and make a new key right there. This is a great option for when you don't have the funds to wait days for the dealership to order your key and install it. You can save up to half by hiring an independent locksmith rather than the dealership's service center. Independent Locksmiths Apart from being extremely stressful, losing your car keys can also be costly. The most affordable way to replace keys that have been lost is to look for an independent locksmith, as they usually cost less than going to a dealership and do not have the same overhead expenses. If you already have a working key the cost of the new key will differ. If you have one the latter, the cost will be much lower since the copy can be made using the current key and does not require programming. Most of the time, mechanical keys that do not include a transponder chip them can be copied for $10 or less. Modern electronic key fobs, on the other hand, are more expensive to duplicate because they must be programmed to be compatible with your vehicle's system. Based on the model and make the procedure can be as simple as entering the code or as intricate as utilizing a decryptor to reprogram the key to ensure proper operation. It is also important to keep in mind that the location of the vehicle could impact the cost of a new key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, having your car key replaced can be more expensive as there may not be anyone near to assist with the procedure. Most people in this situation depend on roadside assistance however, it can be costly and only cover a fraction of the cost. When calculating the cost of a replacement key, it is important to keep in mind that many independent locksmiths offer discounts to customers who are first time clients or those who recommend their services to others. This is due to the fact that they wish to expand their business and rely on word of mouth marketing instead of costly advertising. One final suggestion: always have a spare car key. This will avoid the burden of replacing keys that have been lost, and it is less expensive than trying to do so at the last moment. In addition, if you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key contact your insurance provider for more details on their conditions and terms. Although they typically do not cover lost car keys, some of them provide it as a premium extra. Replacement Keys If you've lost your keys or simply need to replace an older one there are a lot of things that can factor into the cost of purchasing an entirely new car key. The first thing to take note of the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number) to assist you in determining where you need to go to obtain an additional key. This number is located on the driver's dashboard or in the owner's manual. Based on the year, make and model of your car You may have to visit a dealer to obtain a new key, especially when it has an electronic transponder chip. These chips communicate with the vehicle to begin it, and therefore they need to be programmed in order to function. This is done with special equipment that is usually only available at dealerships and can cost upwards of $200 for a replacement key and fob. If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key that does not have transponder chips, you should be able to find a locksmith who can duplicate it at a cheaper price. This could cost as little as $10 for one set of keys or up to $150 based on the type. Some keys are more difficult to duplicate and are more expensive. If you have a switchblade type key that folds down into a fob, this can be more expensive than other types of keys as it requires more effort to make. Smart keys, which use the proximity sensor to open the car door, are a different costly alternative. It is difficult to reprogram, and the price of a replacement key could be costly. If you don't have the luxury of going to a dealer for your new key, try to find a local auto locksmith who is knowledgeable about the brand of vehicle you use. get more info will likely be able to provide a less expensive estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some even offer mobile services where they can come to your workplace or home to cut and program keys for you.