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The Cost of a Replacement Car Key Losing your car keys can be a frustrating experience. It's important to keep in mind that a replacement key might not be as expensive as you think. The cost of a new car key is determined by various factors including the type of replacement key you require and the location you live in. Keys that are traditional are the cheapest, while smart keys are the most expensive. Cost of Parts The cost will differ based on the type of key that you require. Keys with transponder chips that are standard are priced between $50 and $110. The price increases for those who require an ignition key with a transponder chip, or a vehicle with a push-to-start feature that requires a second fob to start the car. These types of keys are costly to duplicate or replace and are difficult for car thieves to break into. The cost will also be affected by the year, make and model of vehicle you own. The latest models may have transponder chips that must be connected to the car by a dealer or auto locksmith. This means that keys that are replaced will need to be programmed to work with the car which can cost up to $200. The cost of replacement keys can also be affected by: Auto locksmiths may be the most affordable however they do not have the equipment to handle advanced key fobs or vehicles. If you don't have the right tools, it may be difficult to copy the basic key from the hardware store. You can also rely on roadside assistance to help you obtain a new key but they'll probably tow your car to a dealership and the process could take days to complete. If you have an older key fob, it is best to buy laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them by yourself. But this is becoming more difficult because many key fobs have security features to guard against theft. Many companies offer software to create keys. However, they are only available as an option for customers with service contracts. Trying to bypass these restrictions can cause problems as most locksmiths will not open cars that are forced or altered with. If you're able use wire hangers or another method of opening the car, that will also raise red flags for insurance companies. Cost of Labor The kind of car key you require will determine the amount it will cost to replace. For less than $10, a conventional double-edged key can be duplicated at the local hardware store. To program and make more sophisticated keys, you'll need special equipment. This can add significantly to the total cost of replacing a car key. You'll also need a brand new key fob if the car uses one to unlock and start it. This can run up to $200, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. In addition, many modern vehicles also include a transponder in the key that needs to be replaced and programmed to function properly. This is a cost that can be difficult to estimate until the key is actually lost and must be replaced. A specialized cutting machine is also required to create the new replacement key. They are costly and are not accessible to those who do not have an auto mechanic shop. The key housing also needs to be replaced, which could increase the cost of a replacement key. Depending on the type of car key it is possible that you will need to purchase replacement parts. Certain key fobs, for example, have features like panic or remote lock/unlock buttons which can add to the total cost. Certain key fobs also require a battery, which can be expensive to replace. It is advisable to create an additional key prior to the time you lose the original. This will ease the anxiety of losing your keys, and also ensure that you have a backup. If you require a new car key, you should find an authorized locksmith or dealer who has the appropriate equipment to work on your car. This will be cheaper than getting a new one from a dealership and will enable you to avoid some of the high fees associated with those alternatives. It is essential to keep a record of your immobilizer code and key number if you have to reprogramme your key. This information can be found on your registration, title or other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer will charge a fee to supply this information. Cost of Equipment Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that allow you to lock, unlock, and start the car just by pressing the button. These devices are useful, but they are expensive to replace when they are lost or damaged. However, locksmiths are able to save you money by replacing these types of keys without the added cost of replacing the device itself. However, there are several things to consider when determining the cost of a replacement car key. The year, make & model of the vehicle There are many different types of car keys, from basic, laser cut keys to switchblade keys. These keys are distinct and can be difficult to duplicate. This is especially true for modern car keys, which have transponders in them which need to be programmed to the vehicle. This procedure can be completed by a professional, however it is generally more expensive than a simple copy of the key. The model of car you drive can also affect the cost. Keys for older cars and simple models are more affordable to replace, but the most sophisticated cars will typically require a separate device to start the car, which could cost up to $500 to replace. The key type and location of the vehicle can also influence the cost of a replacement key. If you lose your keys in a foreign area, you may be charged a higher fee to tow your car to the nearest dealer to have a new one programmed. You can cut down on this expense by keeping a spare key in a secure location, such as your home or office. auto key replacement cost is crucial to know that a new key will likely to require programming by the dealer. This is because most main dealers don't have mobile key programming facilities and can only do it in their workshop. It can be expensive if you lose your only set of keys. Therefore, it's best to keep a spare set of keys with you. Cost of Key Replacement You may need to buy replacement keys from an auto locksmith or a dealer, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Before you do this, make sure to check the type of your car's keys and if it comes with a transponder chip or smart key technology. These technologies can raise the cost of replacing your car's key. A standard car key with key fobs is affordable and can be duplicated at the local hardware store for less than $25. It's a good idea keep a backup in case you lose the original. Most recent cars come with the key fob that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your vehicle. This can be a major issue to replace in the event that it gets lost, as you will have to contact your manufacturer of your car to request a replacement key and have it paired with your vehicle. The cost of an alternative key fob ranges from $50 to $125. In certain instances, you can replace a keyfob at a dealership if you have proof of ownership, like an official registration or a title. However, the dealer may charge an additional cost to cover the cost of travel and time spent on an unreachable location. You can also purchase an aftermarket car key online or directly from the manufacturer. This is a cheaper option, but may be a bit more risky since the quality of these keys cannot be assured. Don't attempt to hack into your car using wire hangers or force. This could trigger alarms and make it more difficult for a locksmith to open the door. This could also damage the lock and lead to cost-plus charges for a full repair or replacement. If you can locate your car keys, it could be worth the extra money to have them copied by an auto repair shop instead of the dealership. This could save you lots of money, particularly if you have an extra key at home.