How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? It is frustrating and costly to lose your car keys. The cost of replacing them depends on the type of key you have and where you get it made. Locksmiths can usually copy traditional keys for less than $10. However, the majority of modern automobiles use transponder chip technology which must be programmed at the dealership. Keys that are laser cut and blades are more expensive, and require an appointment with the dealer. Make and Model of Your Vehicle Losing your car keys can be stressful and frustrating. However, if you own an additional key and know the kind of car key you lost, the process may be a bit more straightforward. A locksmith can make duplicates of an older mechanical key fairly quickly and easily, for example. However, more advanced kinds of keys require specialized skills to copy. They also have to be programmed, meaning you'll need visit your dealer to purchase a new one. The type of key that was lost will also determine how much it costs to replace. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is inserted into the ignition cylinder is less than the cost of replacing a key fob that has transponder, which needs to be programmed. It is more expensive to replace the key fob if it is equipped with a switchblade or other particular features. If you decide to replace your key with the help of an expert or DIY could have an impact on your car key replacement costs as well. Professionals typically charge more than DIY methods however they can save you time and frustration. They will also have the best knowledge with your specific type of vehicle. While having a car key replaced can be expensive however, it's worthwhile in the long term. You should familiarize yourself with all the elements that impact the cost of replacing your car keys to be able to plan ahead. 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 price based on the specific model of your car and model. They will have the necessary equipment to perform a great job. Roadside assistance is another option however it can be expensive. It's also worth noting that your insurance company may offer this service as a part of your policy. However, it's not always a guarantee that they'll offer the services you require. Dealerships It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or loosing keys was not a huge deal. You could simply contact roadside assistance to get your vehicle towed to the dealer, pick up a new key, and be back on the road in a matter of minutes. But as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys - and that makes them more expensive to replace. The most efficient way to save money is to not go to the dealer unless you require a new key fob, key remote or transponder chip key. Find an independent car key replacement shop or locksmith which offers OEM or 3rd party keys at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of these shops have an online search tool that can help you find an in-store. You should also try to locate a shop that can cut and program a standard key since they're generally cheaper than a dealership. The drawback is that they might not have the type of key you need in stock and might need to order it for you. If they do have the key you need expect to spend between $220 to $350 for the replacement and programming. Dealers may offer in-house services to replace keys for cars or solve other lockout issues however, they are more expensive than an independent locksmith. This is especially relevant to the most well-known brands of car such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chips are more complex and costly to replace than other brands'. If you do end up at a dealership, be sure you inquire whether there are any guarantees that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty could aid in reducing your bill. You may be able to have an emergency locksmith to your area who will unlock your car on the spot and create a new key. This is a great solution when you do not have the time to wait for your dealership to install and order your key. In addition, you may be saving up to 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center. Independent Locksmiths Losing your car keys not only stressful, but can also be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest method of replacing keys lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and don't have the same overhead costs. If you already have a working key, the cost of a new key can vary. If you have an existing key it will cost less since it can be copied from that key without the need to be programmed. Typically, old mechanical keys that don't contain a transponder chip them can be copied for $10 or less. On the other hand, modern electronic key fobs are much more expensive to duplicate because they require programming to integrate with your car's system. The procedure can differ based on the make and model of your car. It can be as easy or as complex as entering a code, or using a decryptor. In the end, it is important to remember that the location of your car will also affect the cost of acquiring an alternative key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, having your car keys replaced can be more costly since there may not be anyone near to assist with the process. Most people in this situation depend on assistance from the roadside however, it can be expensive and only cover a portion of the cost. When making a decision on the cost of a replacement key, it's important to keep in mind that a lot of locksmiths are independent and offer discounts to customers who are first time clients or those who recommend their services to others. This is because they wish to expand their business and rely on word of mouth marketing, as opposed to expensive advertising. A final tip to always keep an extra car key. This will spare you the hassle of having to replace a key that has been lost, and will be less expensive than trying to replace it at the last moment. If you are concerned about the expense of replacing your car keys contact your insurance company for more information on their conditions and terms. https://rentry.co/on83nci9 offer the option of a fee to replace lost keys. Key Replacement Whether you lost your key or you simply want to replace an older key there are a lot of factors that could be factored into the cost of getting a new car key. The first thing you should take note of the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number) which will assist you in determining where you'll need to go to obtain a new key. This number can be found on the dashboard of the driver or in your vehicle's owner's manual. You might need go to a dealer to obtain a new keys when yours is equipped with an electronic transponder. These chips must be programmed to function in order to communicate with the vehicle to begin it. This is done using special machines, which are usually only available at dealerships. They can cost as much as $200 for an entirely new fob and key. If your car only has an old-fashioned key with no transponder chips, a locksmith should be able duplicate it at a cheaper cost. It could cost as little as $10 for keys or $150 based on the type. Other types of keys are more difficult to replicate and could be more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds up into a fob, is usually more expensive than other type of key because it requires more effort to produce. Another option that can be costly is a smart key that uses the proximity sensor to open the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and typically will cost you the most for an alternative key. You can locate an auto-locksmith in your area who is familiar with the model you own if you don't need to visit a dealership. They will likely be able to provide a less expensive quote and be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some provide mobile services which means they'll come to your office or home to cut and program keys for you.