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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? It is frustrating and costly to lose your car keys. The cost to replace them depends on the type of key and the place where you purchase it. Traditional keys are usually copied by a locksmith for less than $10 however, many modern cars have transponder chips that must be programmed by the dealer. Keys cut with lasers and blades are more expensive, and require an appointment with a dealer. Make and Model of Your Vehicle Losing your car keys can be frustrating and stressful. 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 probably make a duplicate fairly quickly and easily. However, more sophisticated types of keys require specific knowledge to be copied. They also have to be reprogrammed, which means you'll need to visit your dealer to purchase a new one. The type of key that was lost will also affect the amount it costs to replace it. For instance, traditional mechanical keys that are inserted into the ignition cylinder will cost less to replace than a key fob that has a transponder that must be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob, if it's equipped with a switchblade or other special features. The decision to replace your key with the assistance of an expert or do it yourself could affect the cost of replacing your car keys as well. Professionals are more expensive than DIY methods but will save you time and frustration. They also have the best knowledge in your particular type of vehicle. It's worth the expense to replace keys to your car. You should familiarize yourself with all the factors that will impact the cost of replacing your car key to be able to plan ahead. Find a local auto-locksmith to receive an estimate of the cost of your car key. They can provide you with a quote based on your specific car model and make. They will have the necessary equipment to complete the job. Roadside assistance is another option however it is costly. It's important to note that your insurance provider may offer this service as a part of your policy. However it's not always a guarantee that they'll provide the services you require. Dealerships It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or losing keys was not a huge problem. It was simple to have your car towed by roadside assistance, pick up a replacement key and be back on road in no time. As car key replacement become more advanced in technology, so too have their keys. This makes them more expensive to replace. Avoiding the dealership is the best way to save on costs, unless you need a new key remote, transponder or key fob. Instead, find an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that sells OEM or third-party keys for a fraction of the cost. Many of these shops offer an online search tool to aid you in finding a shop close to you. It's also worth looking for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, since these are usually cheaper than dealerships. They may not have the kind of key in stock and you'll need to purchase it. If they do have the key, you should expect to spend between $200 and $350. Some dealers offer in-house services for replacing keys to cars and other lockout issues, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith service or an independent service. This is particularly applicable to the most popular models of cars such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Chrysler. Key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complicated for these brands. If you end up at the dealer, make sure to inquire about any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may lower your cost. It is possible to get a mobile locksmith delivered to your location who can unlock the vehicle right there and create a replacement key. This is an excellent option when you do not have the patience to wait for your dealer to install and order your key. You can save up to 50% by using an independent locksmith instead of the dealership service center. Independent Locksmiths Aside from being incredibly stressful, losing your car keys could be costly. The most affordable option to replace keys that have been lost is to find an independent locksmith, since they typically cost less than going to the dealership and don't have the same overhead expenses. If you already have a working key the cost of a new key will vary. If you already have a key, the cost will be much lower since it can be copied from the key without needing to be programmed. Most of the time, mechanical keys that don't include a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10. Modern electronic keys, on the other hand, are more expensive to duplicate as they need to be programmed to integrate with the system of your vehicle. The process can differ based on the model and make of your car. It can be as easy or complex as entering a code or using a decryptor. In the end, it is important to remember that the location of your vehicle could also impact the cost of getting an alternative key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, getting the car key replaced could be more expensive as there might not be any one nearby to assist you with the procedure. The majority of people in this scenario depend on assistance from the roadside however it can be expensive and only cover a fraction of the cost. When you are calculating the cost of a replacement key, it is crucial to keep in mind that many locksmiths who are independent offer discounts to new customers or those who recommend their services to others. This is due to the fact that they are looking to expand their business and rely on word of mouth marketing, as opposed to expensive advertisements. A final suggestion: always have a spare car key. This will save you the hassle of having to replace keys that have been lost, and it is less expensive than attempting to do it at the last minute. Additionally, if you are worried about the cost of replacing your car key contact your insurance company for more details on their conditions and terms. Although they typically do not cover lost car keys but some of them provide it as a premium extra. Replacement Keys There are many aspects that could affect the cost of an additional key for your car, regardless of whether you've lost yours or you need to replace it. The first thing you need to note down the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number), as this will help you determine the best location to obtain an additional key. This number is found on the side of the dashboard that is on the driver or in the vehicle owner's manual. Depending on the year, model and model of your vehicle, you may need to go to a dealership to obtain an additional key, particularly when it has an electronic transponder chip. These chips need to be programmed to work, as they communicate with the vehicle to begin it. This is done with special machines, which are typically only available through dealerships and can cost as much as $200 for a new key and fob. If your car has traditional keys that do not have transponder chips, a locksmith will be able to duplicate it at a lower price. Depending on the type of key, this could be as little as $10 or up to $150 for an entire set of replacement keys. Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and therefore more expensive. If you own a switchblade key that folds into the fob it is usually more expensive than other types of keys because it requires more work to create. Smart keys, which make use of proximity sensors to unlock the car door, are another expensive alternative. It can be difficult to reprogram and will cost the most for the replacement key. You can locate an auto-locksmith local to you who is familiar with the brand you own if you don't want to go to a dealership. They'll likely be able to provide a less expensive estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some offer mobile services, where they'll visit your home or office to cut and program keys for you.