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The Cost of a Replacement Car Key It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It's important to keep in mind that a replacement key for your car might not cost as much as you think. The cost of purchasing a new car key is determined by various factors including the type of replacement key you require and your location. Traditional keys are the cheapest while smart keys are the most costly. Cost of Parts Depending on the type of key you require the price will depend on the type of key you require, the cost can vary. Keys with transponder chips that are standard are priced from $50 to $110. If you need the keyfob to be chipped or a push-to-start vehicle that requires a second fob the costs will increase. These types of keys are costly to duplicate or replace, and are harder for car thieves to steal. The cost can also be affected by the year, make and model of car you own. The transponder chip that is used in newer vehicles will need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that keys that are spare will need to be programmed to work with the car. This could cost up to $200. The cost of replacing keys can also be affected by: Auto locksmiths may be the most affordable however, they don't have the equipment to handle advanced key fobs or vehicles. If you don't have the right tools, it can be difficult to copy the basic key from a hardware shop. You can also contact roadside assistance for a new key. However, they'll transport your vehicle to a dealer and the process could take a few days. If you own a more recent key fob, the most efficient way to reduce your costs is to purchase all-in-one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. However, this is becoming more difficult since the majority of key fobs come with security features to prevent theft. Many companies offer software to create keys. However, these are only a service to customers who have service contracts. Most locksmiths won't open cars that have had their locks forced or altered. Insurance providers will be alerted when you make use of wire hangers to open your car. Cost of Labor The cost of replacing a car key will depend on the type you need. For less than $10, a traditional double-edged key can be duplicated in an area hardware store. However, car key replacement advanced keys require special equipment to make and program. This can add significantly to the total cost of replacing the car key. You'll also require a new key fob if the car uses one to unlock and start it. It could cost up to $200, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Many modern vehicles have a transponder in the key, which needs to be programmed and replaced to function correctly. This is a cost that is difficult to estimate before the key is lost and needs to be replaced. To create a new replacement key, a specially-designed cutting machine will also be required. These are expensive and aren't readily available for those who don't have an auto repair shop. The key housing must also be replaced, which could increase the cost of replacing a key. Depending on the kind of car key you have, you may have to purchase other replacement parts as well. Certain key fobs, as an example, have features like remote lock/unlock or panic buttons which can add to the total cost. Certain key fobs also need a battery, which can be expensive to replace. It is best to create an extra key before you lose your original. This will reduce the stress of losing keys and ensure that you always have a functional backup. If you require a new car key, locate a locksmith or dealer that is equipped to work on your vehicle. This is less expensive than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer and will save you the fees that are high with this option. It is essential to keep the immobilizer code and the key number if you need to reprogramme your key. This information is available on your registration or title, or on other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer may charge a fee to provide this information. Cost of Equipment Modern cars come with key fobs that can lock, unlock and start the vehicle with just the button. These devices are extremely convenient, but they can also be expensive to replace if lost or broken. Locksmiths can save you money by replacing keys without needing to replace the device. There are many aspects to take into consideration when determining the price of a new car key. The Year, Make & Model of the Vehicle There are a variety of keys for cars, ranging from basic, laser cut keys to switchesblade keys. Keys of this kind are distinct, and they are 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 can be done by a professional, however it will cost more than a standard key copy. The type of vehicle can also affect the cost. Basic keys and older cars are cheaper to replace, but the most advanced cars will generally require a specific device to start the car, and can cost as much as $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 location, you could be charged a higher price to take your vehicle to the nearest dealership to get a new key programmed. You can save this cost by keeping keys in a secure location like your home or the office. It is important to remember that the new key will most likely require programming by the dealer. This is because the majority of dealers don't offer mobile key programming facilities and can only do this in their workshop. This could be a huge expense in the case of losing your only set of car keys, which is why it's recommended to take preventative measures and keep a spare set with you at all times. Cost of Key Replacement You may have to purchase new keys from an automotive locksmith or dealer, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Check the key of your car to determine if it is equipped with a transponder or smart key chip. These technologies could increase the cost of replacing your car's keys. A standard car key with key fobs is cheap and can typically be duplicated at an hardware store in your area for less than $25. It's best to have a spare in the event that you lose the original. The latest cars come with keys that emit an electronic signal to unlock and start the car. This could be a big issue to replace in the event that it is lost, as you'll have to contact the manufacturer of the car for a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The cost of a replacement key fob ranges from $50 to $125. In certain instances, you can replace a keyfob at a dealership if you have proof of ownership, such as the registration or title. However, the dealer could charge an additional cost to cover travel expenses and time spent at an unreachable location. Alternately, you can purchase an aftermarket key on the internet or even directly from the vehicle manufacturer. This is less expensive, however it is more risky as the quality of the keys cannot be assured. It is not advisable to gain entry into your car using wire hangers or force, because this could cause alarms and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to open your car door. This could also cause damage to the lock and lead to cost-plus charges for a full repair or replacement. If you can find your car keys it may be worth paying more to have them cloned by an auto specialist rather than at the dealership. This can save you a lot of money, particularly if you have a spare key at home.