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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 them is dependent on the type of key you have and the location where it is made. Traditional keys can be copied by locksmiths for less than $10 however, many modern cars have transponder chips that have to be programmed by the dealer. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are more expensive and require an excursion to the dealer. Make and Model of Your Vehicle When you lose your car keys, it can be an extremely stressful and frustrating. If you have a spare car key and you know what kind of key you lost, it could be simpler to duplicate. If car key replacements have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith could probably make a duplicate fairly quickly and easily. To copy more advanced keys, you'll need special knowledge. They also need to be programmed, meaning you'll likely have visit your dealer to purchase a new key. The kind of key lost will also affect the amount it will cost to replace. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is put into the ignition cylinder is lower than the cost of replacing a key fob that has a transponder which must be programmed. The latter will also typically cost more to replace if it is equipped with the switchblade key, or other special features. The cost of replacing your car keys may depend on the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help a professional. Professionals will usually charge more than DIY methods, but they can save you time and frustration. They'll also have the most experience with the particular model of car. While getting a car's key replaced can be expensive, it's worth it in the long term. 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 get an estimate on the cost of your car key. They will be able to provide an estimate based on the specific make and model of your vehicle. They will have the necessary equipment to complete the job. Another option is to contact roadside assistance, however this is more expensive. Also, you should know that your insurance provider might include this service in your policy. It's not a guarantee, however, that they'll offer the services you require. Dealerships Not too long ago having lost or misplaced keys to your car wasn't a huge deal. It was simple to get your vehicle tow by roadside assistance, get a replacement key and be back on the road in no time. As cars become more technologically advanced as well, so do their keys – and that makes them more expensive to replace. The most efficient way to save money is to not go to the dealer except if you require a replacement key fob, key remote or transponder chip keys. Find an independent car locksmith or key replacement shop that offers OEM or 3rd party keys at only a fraction of the cost. Many of these shops offer an online search tool to help you locate a store close to where you live. You should also try to find a service that can cut and program a standard-sized key, since they're generally cheaper than a dealership. They may not have the type of key in stock and will have to purchase it. If they do have the key, you could expect to spend between $200 and $350. Some dealers offer in-house service for replacing car keys and other lockout issues, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith service or an independent service. This is particularly relevant to the most well-known brands of car such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Chrysler. The key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complex for these brands. If you do end up at the dealer, make sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If so, calling the dealership to mention the warranty may help you save money. It is possible to have an emergency locksmith to your area who will unlock your car on the spot and create a replacement key. This is a great option for when you don't have the funds to wait days for the dealership to order the key and install it. Additionally, you may be in a position to save as much as 50% by visiting an independent locksmith instead of the service center at the dealership. Independent Locksmiths The loss of your car keys is not just stressful, it can also be costly. Independent locksmiths are the cheapest option to replace keys that have been lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and do not have as many overhead costs. If you already have a working key the cost of the new key will differ. If you have an existing key it will cost much lower since it can be copied from the key without needing to be programmed. Typically, old mechanical keys that do not include a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10. Modern electronic key fobs on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate since they must be programmed to be compatible with your vehicle's system. Depending on your car's make and model, this process can be as simple as typing the code or as intricate as using a specific decryptor to reprogram the key for proper operation. It is also important to consider the location of your vehicle could also impact the cost of obtaining the new key. If you're stranded out in the middle, it could be more expensive to replace your car's key because there may be no one in the vicinity to help. In this type of situation, most people rely on roadside help, but it can be costly and only cover a fraction of the cost. One thing that can be useful to keep in mind when calculating the cost of replacing your key is that many locksmiths who are independent offer discounts on 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 instead of costly advertising. A final suggestion is to always have an extra key in case of loss, as it will not only spare you from the headache of dealing with a lost car key and be less expensive than trying to replace a lost key at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car keys, contact your insurance company and request more information. Certain insurance companies provide an additional fee to replace lost keys. Replacement Keys There are many factors that can affect the cost of an additional key for your car, regardless of whether you've lost your key or require a replacement. The first thing you need to take note of 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 can be found on the driver's side of your dashboard or in the owner's manual. Based on the year, make and model of your vehicle, you may need to visit a dealer in order to get new keys, particularly if it contains an electronic transponder chip. These chips must be programmed to function by communicating with the vehicle to begin it. This is done using special equipment, which is typically only available through dealerships. They can cost up to $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 duplicate it at a lower price. It could cost as little as $10 for a set of keys or as much as $150 depending on the type. Different types of keys are more difficult to replicate and could be more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds into fobs, is generally more expensive than any other type of key because it requires more effort to make. Another expensive option is a smart key, that uses proximity sensors to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and typically will cost the most money for the replacement key. There is a local auto-locksmith who is familiar with the model that you drive if want to go to an auto dealer. They are more likely to more affordable in their estimate and are more reliable that a dealership. Some offer mobile services, which means they'll come to your house or office to cut keys and program them for you.