The Cost of a Replacement Car Key It can be frustrating to lose your car keys But it's important to remember that a replacement key might not cost as much as you think The cost of purchasing a new car key is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of replacement key you require and the location you live in Keys made of traditional design are the cheapest while smart keys are the most costly Cost of Parts The cost will differ based on the type of key you need Keys that are standard and do not have transponder chips can be copied for anywhere between 50 to 110 The cost increases when you require keys equipped with a transponder chip or a vehicle with a push-to-start feature that requires a second fob to activate the car These keys are expensive to duplicate and replace, and they are also more difficult to steal The year, make and model of your car can also affect the cost The transponder chip that is used in newer vehicles will have to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer This means that a spare key will have to be programmed to work with the car This could cost as much as 200 Other factors that impact the cost of replacement keys are Auto locksmiths are often the most expensive however, they don't have the tools needed to deal with advanced key fobs or vehicles If you don't have the right tools, it can be difficult to copy an ordinary key at an hardware shop You can also contact roadside assistance for a replacement key However, they'll take your vehicle to a dealer and the process may take several days If you own a newer key fob, the best way to reduce your costs is to purchase all-in one laser-cut keys and program them yourself This is becoming increasingly difficult since many key fobs come with security features that can prevent theft Many companies have software programs that can be used to create keys, but these are usually only available to customers who have service contracts or as a courtesy through the dealership If you try to get around these restrictions, it can lead to problems, as most locksmiths will not open vehicles that were forced or tampered with If you are able to use wire hangers or some other method of opening the car it will raise red flags for insurance providers Cost of Labor The cost of replacing a car key will be contingent on the type of key you require A standard double-edged car keys is usually duplicated at a local hardware store for less than 10 However, more advanced keys require specialized equipment to design and manufacture This can significantly increase the cost of replacing your car key You'll also need a brand new key fob if the vehicle has one to start and unlock it The cost could range from 100 to 200, depending on your vehicle's make and model Many newer vehicles use a transponder in the key that must be programmed and replaced to function properly This is a price that is difficult to estimate prior to the time that the key is lost and needs to be replaced To create a new replacement key, a specially-designed cutting machine is required They are expensive and not easily accessible for those who don't have an auto mechanic shop The key housing must also be replaced, which could increase the cost of replacing a key Depending on the type of car key, you may need to buy additional replacement parts in addition to Some key fobs, for instance, come with features such as remote lock/unlock or panic buttons that can increase the overall cost Additionally, some key fobs need a battery which can be expensive to replace It is recommended to make an extra key before you lose the original This will allow you to avoid the anxiety of losing your keys, and ensure that you have another backup If you do end up needing an additional key, try to find a locksmith or a car dealer equipped to work with your vehicle This will be less expensive than purchasing a new one from a dealership and will allow you to save some of the costly cost associated with those options If you have a key that requires programming, you must keep a record of your immobilizer code, or the key number in case you need to get it reprogrammed in the future This information can be found on your registration, title or other documents A locksmith or auto dealer may charge a fee for providing this information Cost of Equipment Modern vehicles have key fobs that lock, unlock and start the vehicle by simply pressing the button These devices can be very useful, but they are expensive to replace if they become lost or damaged Locksmiths can save you money when they replace keys without having to replace the device There are several factors to consider when determining the price of the replacement of a car key The year, make and model of the vehicle There are many types of car keys ranging from laser-cut keys to switchblades These key types are very distinct and are difficult to duplicate This is especially relevant for modern car key transponders, which must be programmed into the vehicle This can be accomplished by a specialist, but it is generally more expensive than a copy of the keys Another factor that can impact the cost of replacing a car key is the model of car https//jsfiddlenet/gooseuncle23/bxe9rLwz/ with basic keys cost less to replace However the most sophisticated cars require a special key that can cost upwards of 500 to replace The key type and location of the vehicle may also affect the cost of a replacement car key You may be charged more to tow your car to the nearest dealership in case you lose your keys in a place in a foreign location You can save this cost by keeping an extra key in a safe location like your home or in the office It is also important to remember that, most times the new car key is programmed by the dealer This is because most main dealers do not have mobile key programming facilities and are able to do this in their workshop This could be a significant cost in the event of losing your car's only set of keys, which is why it's best to take preventative measures and carry a spare with you at all times Cost of replacing keys You may have to purchase replacement keys from an automotive locksmith or dealer, depending on the model and make of your vehicle Before you do, check the type of your car's keys and whether it has a transponder chip or smart key technology These technologies can increase the price of your car key replacement A standard car key with a key fob is relatively inexpensive and can usually be duplicated at an hardware store in your area for under 25 It's best to have an extra in the event that you lose your original The latest cars come with a key fob that emits an electronic signal to unlock and start the vehicle This could be a big issue to replace in the event that it is lost, as you will have to contact the manufacturer of your car to request a replacement key and have it paired with your vehicle The cost of a replacement key fob ranges from 50 to 125 In certain instances, you can have a key fob repaired at the dealership as provided you can prove ownership by proving registration or title However, the dealer may still charge an extra cost to cover the cost of travel and time spent at a remote location Alternately, you can purchase an aftermarket key on the internet or even directly from the car manufacturer This is a cheaper option, but may be a bit more risky as the quality of these keys cannot be assured Do not attempt to break into your car with the use of wire hangers or force, as this could raise red flags and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to open your car door This could also cause damage to the lock, which will lead to higher costs for repairs or replacements If you are able to locate your car keys, it might be worth the extra cost to have them duplicated by an auto expert instead of the dealership This can save you a lot of cash, particularly if have an extra key at home