Factors That Influence the Cost For Replacement Car Key If you lose your car keys, it could be a stressful event. The cost of a replacement key can differ based on the type of vehicle and the key type. Find out what type of key your car has. Some vehicles are equipped with advanced keys that can only be changed at a dealership. What is the model and make of your car? The days of stepping into an hardware store and buying duplicate car keys made for pennies are now gone. Key fobs today are miniscule electronic devices with everything from an RF transmitter and battery to printed circuit boards and transponder chips that are specifically designed for keys. They are more secure and expensive than traditional keys. The make and model of your vehicle will eventually determine the price you'll pay for a new car key. In general older keys are less expensive. The older keys are essentially metal keys that operate by turning the ignition cylinder. They don't require any special technology. They can be replaced with an ordinary locksmith for cars for a reasonable price and can be bought from a car parts store or dealership. The latest models come with advanced security and technological features, like a smart key which locks and unlocks doors from afar and a proximity sensor that can start the engine. These are only controlled by a professional using special equipment. This kind of machine is usually only available at dealerships. Laser-cut keys require special equipment to create spare. They are more robust than traditional keys and feature deep grooves and ridges for better security and durability. The cost of a laser-cut key is usually a bit more than that of a standard key for cars, but it could be significantly higher if it includes a transponder chip. You can expect to pay between $100 and 850 dollars for a new car key, depending on the model and model of your car. This doesn't include fees, taxes or other expenses that are associated with the purchase. The most effective option for getting an alternative key is to call an auto locksmith since they are competitively priced and can usually offer a functioning copy in a short amount of time. You could also seek out the assistance of roadside assistance providers however they tend to be more expensive and might not be as reliable. The kind of key Many people don't realize that the cost of car key duplication depend on the type of key you have. A traditional double-edged car key can be repaired at your local hardware shop for less than $10. However modern key fobs have to be programmed by an expert to ensure they work with your vehicle. It is important to choose a locksmith that offers mobile service and has the tools and software necessary to create a new car key right on the spot. In older cars you can typically purchase a new replacement key from the dealership or even at an auto parts store, but more recent models have transponder keys that have to be programmed for them to work. They are more expensive to duplicate and require a specific machine that is usually only available at the dealer. This is why they are the most expensive type of key to replace. Laser-cut keys are more difficult to reproduce and are often more expensive than conventional key types too. These keys require a special machine only found at dealerships in order to make the distinct cuts in the blank keys. They can add $50 or more to the cost of a new key. Switchblade keys can also be very expensive and are hard to duplicate. These are the keys you've probably seen your buddies playing with, and they fold into their key fobs. They can be replaced for $150 or more by a locksmith but they are much more difficult to take. Smart keys are the most expensive type of car key and utilize radio frequencies to communicate with your vehicle's computer. They are the most sophisticated and secure keys, but also the most expensive. They can cost as high as 600 dollars. You should speak to your dealer, locksmith or mechanic to determine what it will cost to duplicate or program the various types of keys. The location of your vehicle The days of being able to go to a hardware store and get an identical car key for less than $10 are gone. It could cost as much as $160 to replace a key, depending on the type you need. Here are a few factors that affect the cost of replacing keys: The model and make of your vehicle are the most significant factors in the cost of replacing a car key. The cost of duplicating or fixing a key for an older model vehicle could be higher than for an older model. This is due to the fact that they use modern technology. Additionally, some vehicles require special machinery to cut the blades that are key to the car and this could add to the overall cost of the replacement. The majority of cars have a remote key fob which is a device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from an extended distance. This is useful in a stormy or dangerous locations, but it's not immune to loss or damage. The key fob can be reprogrammed by an automotive locksmith or by your local dealer for cars. Key fobs can also be linked to your smartphone, allowing you to start your car by using your smartwatch. https://www.openlearning.com/u/northquinlan-sjsdiq/blog/IsReplacementCarKeysNearMeAsVitalAsEveryoneSays are the most expensive, as they require software codes that can only be obtained from the manufacturer. The location of your house can also affect the price for an alternative key. Prices can be higher in cities or rural areas and with various types of locks. This is due to the fact that some locks are more difficult to open or cut, requiring more knowledge and experience. If you have a standard, metal car key with chip inside the locksmith or dealer will usually duplicate it for a reasonable price. If you have a key fob that is more advanced, you will be required to take it to the dealer to get it replaced. Most dealerships charge a premium, but their service is often more reliable and can save you time and money. The cost of a key fob for a car can be covered by the auto insurance policy. However, it is essential to know the policy before making a claim. The locksmith or tow truck It's not a pleasant experience to replace the car key If you know what you are doing it can be made simpler. You'll need to know what kind of key you have as well as the locksmith or tow truck that will offer the service, and also how much it will cost. Check to see if you are covered by your vehicle insurance or warranty. A traditional double-edged lock can be repaired for about $10 at an hardware store. You can even get an exact copy made at home if you lost the original key. If you have an advanced key such as transponder or key fob it is necessary to consult a professional automotive locksmith. They'll require the model and year of your vehicle, proof of ownership (like the registration or title) and an extra key. If you have a fob with switchblade keys, it could require special programming that only a dealer can do. You'll need to program a laser-cut key or a key that has an integrated transponder chip, If you have one. On average, this will cost you around $150 to $225. It is more expensive to have it done by a dealer, but you will not have to wait for a third-party company to complete the work. If you try to remove a damaged or jammed key on your own could cause more damage to the lock, making the task more difficult. If you have a spare key, it's recommended to call a professional since they'll be familiar with the type of lock and will have contingencies for any problems that may occur. If you lose your keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN can be found in a variety of places in the dashboard of the driver's side of your vehicle, under the hood of your engine or in the door jamb or in the trunk of the vehicle. You can also find the VIN on the paperwork that came with your vehicle or in your insurance policy.