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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 is contingent on the location and what type of key you've made. 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 that are laser cut and blades are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer. Make and Model of Your Vehicle Losing your car keys could be frustrating and stressful. If you have an extra car key and you are aware of what type of key you lost, it can be easier to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith will probably make a duplicate fairly quickly and easily. However, more sophisticated types of keys require specific knowledge to be copied. These keys must also be reprogrammed, which means you'll need to visit your dealer to get a replacement. The type of key lost will also determine the cost to replace it. For instance, traditional mechanical keys that simply insert into the ignition cylinder are less expensive to replace than a key fob which has a special transponder that needs to be programmed. It will also cost more to replace if it has a switchblade key or other specialized features. The cost of replacing your car keys could also be affected by the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help a professional. Professionals cost more than DIY methods, but can save you time and frustration. They also have the best knowledge with your specific type of vehicle. It's worth the cost to replace keys to your car. You should familiarize yourself with all the factors that will determine the cost of replacing your car key so you can plan ahead. Find an auto-locksmith in your area to receive an estimate of the cost of your car key. They can give you an estimate based on the specific model and make of your car. They will have the necessary equipment to complete the job. Roadside assistance is another option however 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'll provide the services you need. Dealerships It wasn't that long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing keys was not a huge deal. You could just call roadside assistance, have your vehicle towed to the dealer, pick up a new key and be back on the road in no time. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have the keys. This means they are more expensive to replace. The most efficient method to save money is to avoid going to the dealer unless you need a new key fob, key remote or transponder chip keys. Look for an independent car key replacement shop or locksmith that can provide OEM keys or 3rd-party ones for a fraction of the price. Many of these stores have an online search tool that will help you locate the nearest store. It's also worth looking for a place to cut and program standard keys, as they're usually less expensive than dealerships. The downside is that they may not have the type of key you require and may have to purchase it for you. If they do have the key you need, expect to spend between $220 to $350 for the replacement and programming. Some dealers offer in-house service for replacing car keys and other lockout issues, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or independent service. This is especially relevant to the most well-known automobile brands such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. Key fobs and chips are more complex and costly to replace than other manufacturers'. If you end up at a dealership, make sure you inquire whether there are any guarantees that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty could lower your cost. They might even be able to send a mobile locksmith to your location to unlock your vehicle and create a new key on the spot. This is a great solution if you can't afford to wait days for the dealership to purchase the key and install it. You can save up to half by using an independent locksmith rather than the service center of the dealership. Independent Locksmiths In addition to being extremely stressful losing your car keys can be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the most economical option to replace keys that have been lost. They are cheaper than dealerships and don't have as much overhead costs. The cost of a replacement key could depend on whether or whether you have an existing working key to copy from. If you have an existing key, the cost will be less since it can be copied from the key without having to be programmed. Typically, old mechanical keys that don't contain a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10. On the other side, modern electronic key fobs are much more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to work with your car's security system. This process can vary depending on the model and make of your car. It could be as simple or complex as entering a code, or using an encryption device. It is also important to note that the location of the vehicle can impact the cost of a new car key. If you're stranded out in the middle of nowhere, it can be more costly to replace your car's key because there may be no one nearby to assist. In this type of situation, most people depend on roadside assistance, but it can be costly and only cover a small portion of the cost. When making a decision on the cost of a replacement key, it is important to remember that many locksmiths who are independent offer discounts to customers who are first time clients or those who refer their services to others. This is because they are looking to expand their business and rely on word of mouth marketing instead of costly advertising. One final suggestion: always have an extra car key. This will save you the hassle of having to replace keys that have been lost, and will be cheaper than trying to replace it at the last minute. Additionally, if you are worried about the cost of replacing your car keys, try calling your insurance provider for more information on their terms and conditions. While they often do not cover lost car keys but some of them offer it as a premium addition. Replacement Keys There are a myriad of factors that could impact the cost of an additional key for your car, regardless of whether you have lost yours or need to replace one. The first thing to note down the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number), as this will assist you in determining where you'll need to go to get an additional key. This number is located on the dashboard of the driver, or in the owner's manual. Depending on the year, model and model of your vehicle, you may need to go to a dealership to purchase an additional key, particularly if it contains an electronic transponder chip. The chips need to be programmed to function, as they communicate with the vehicle to allow it to start. This is done using special machines, which are typically only available through dealerships and can cost up to $200 for an entirely new key and fob. If your car has traditional keys that do not have transponder chips, a locksmith should be able to duplicate the key at a cheaper cost. replacement key for car near me could cost as little as $10 for a set of keys or as much as $150, depending on the kind. Other kinds of keys are a little more difficult to duplicate and may be more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds up into a fob, is usually more expensive than other type of key because it requires more effort to produce. Smart keys, which use proximity sensors to unlock the car's door, are a different costly option. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key could be expensive. If replacement key for car near me to afford going to a dealer for your new key, you can seek out an auto locksmith in your neighborhood who is specialized in the type of vehicle you drive. They are more likely to capable of offering a lower estimate and are more reliable that dealers. Some even provide mobile services that will come to your home or workplace to cut and program the keys for you.