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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? Losing your car keys can be frustrating and expensive. The cost of replacing keys is contingent on the type of key and where you get it made. Traditional keys can usually be copied by locksmiths for less than $10, but many newer cars use transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Keys cut with lasers 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. If you have an extra car key and you know what kind of key you lost, it could be easier to duplicate. A locksmith can make duplicates of an older mechanical key fairly quickly and easily, for example. However, more sophisticated types of keys require specific skills to copy. They also require to be programmed, meaning you'll likely have visit your dealer to get a new one. The type of key that was lost will also determine how much it costs to replace it. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is fitted into the ignition cylinder is lower than keys with an electronic transponder that must be programmed. It will also cost more to replace if it has the switchblade key, or other special features. The cost of replacing your car keys can be affected by the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help of by a professional. Professionals are more expensive than DIY methods but will save you time and frustration. They'll also have the most knowledge of your specific model of car. While getting a car key replaced can be expensive, it's worth it in the long term. You should familiarize yourself with all the factors that will determine the cost of replacing your car key to be able to plan ahead. Find an auto-locksmith in your area to obtain an estimate of the cost of your car key. They will be able provide you with a price based on the particular car model and make. They will also have the tools to complete the task. Roadside assistance is a different option, but it can be expensive. It is important to note that your insurance provider might include this service in your policy. It's not a guarantee, however, that they will offer the services you require. Dealerships A few years ago having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn't a huge deal. It was easy to have your vehicle tow by roadside assistance, get an alternative key and be back on road in no time. As cars become more technologically advanced as well, so do their keys, making them more expensive to replace. Avoiding the dealership is the best way to cut down on costs, unless you require an entirely new key remote, transponder or key fob. Find a local independent locksmith or shop for replacement keys that can provide OEM keys or 3rd-party ones for only a fraction of the cost. Many of these stores offer an online search tool that can aid you in finding a shop close to you. You should also try to find a service that can cut and program a standard key because they're typically less expensive than a dealership. They might not have your type of key on hand and will have to order it. If they do have the key you require expect to be paying between $220 and $350 for replacement and programming. Some dealers offer in-house service to replace car keys and other lockout problems, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or independent service. This is particularly true for the more popular automobile brands, such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Chrysler. The key chips and fobs are more complex and costly to replace than other manufacturers'. If you do end up at the dealership, be sure to inquire about any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may aid in reducing your bill. You may be able to get a mobile locksmith delivered to your location who can unlock the vehicle right there and create a new key. This is a great solution if you do not have the patience to wait for your dealer to make and install your key. In addition, you may be in a position to save as much as 50% by going to an independent locksmith instead of the service center of the dealership. Independent Locksmiths Aside from being incredibly stressful the loss of your car keys can be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest option to replace keys that have been lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and do not have the same overhead costs. If vehicle key replacement have a working key the cost of the new key will differ. If you have it, it will cost much less as a copy can be made using the current key and not have to be programmed. Most of the time, mechanical keys that do not have a transponder chip in them can be copied for $10 or less. On the other side, modern electronic key fobs are a lot more expensive to duplicate because they require programming to integrate with the car's system. Based on the model and make the procedure can be as simple as entering the code or as intricate as using a specific decryptor to reprogram the key for proper operation. In the end, it is important to consider the location of your vehicle can also impact the cost of obtaining an alternative key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, it may be more expensive to replace your car keys since there isn't one nearby to assist. In this type of situation, most people depend on assistance from the roadside however it can be expensive and only cover a small portion of the cost. One thing that can be helpful to remember when calculating your replacement key cost is that many independent locksmiths will offer discounts for their services to first-time customers or those who recommend them 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 costly advertisements. Another tip is to always have an extra key on hand, since it will not only spare you from the headache of dealing with lost car keys and be less expensive than trying to replace keys that have been lost at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key, contact your insurance provider and request more information. Although they typically do not cover lost keys to cars, some of them provide it as a premium extra. Key Replacement If you've lost your keys or just need to replace an older one there are a lot of factors that could be factored into the cost of purchasing an entirely new car key. The first thing to take note of the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number) to help you determine the best location in order to get a new key. This number is found on the driver's side of your dashboard or in the owner's manual. Depending on the year, make and model of your car You may have go to a dealership in order to get a new key, especially if it contains an electronic transponder chip. These chips communicate with the vehicle to begin it, and therefore they need to be programmed in order to function. This is done using special machines, which are typically only available at dealerships. They can cost as much as $200 for a new fob and key. If your car only has an old-fashioned key with no transponder chips, a locksmith should be able to duplicate the key at a lower price. Depending on the kind of key, this can be as little as $10 or even $150 for an entire set of keys replacement. Different types of keys are more difficult to duplicate and may be more expensive. If you have a switchblade type key that folds down into a fob, this can be more expensive than other types of keys, as it requires more effort to make. Another option that can be costly is a smart lock, that uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key could be costly. You can locate an auto-locksmith local to you who is familiar with the model that you drive if prefer to visit the dealership. They will likely be able to offer a lower estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership. Some offer mobile services, where they'll visit your office or home to cut keys and program them for you.