Factors That Influence the Cost For Replacement Car Key If you lose your car keys, it could be a stressful event The cost of a replacement key can differ, based on the type of car and the kind of key The first thing you should do is find out the type of key your vehicle has Certain newer models have advanced keys which can only be replaced by a dealer What is the model and make of your car The days of stepping into the hardware store and getting duplicate car keys made at pennies are gone Today's key fobs are miniature electronic devices with everything from an RF transmitter and battery to printed circuit boards and key-specific transponder chips They are more secure than traditional keys and also more expensive to replace in the case of damage or loss The make and model of your car will determine the cost you pay for a new key In general, the older the key, the cheaper it will cost The older keys are essentially metal models that work by turning the ignition cylinder They don't require special equipment These can be replaced by an automotive locksmith that is standard at a reasonable cost however, they can be purchased from a car dealership or parts store Modern cars are equipped with advanced technology and safety features like a smart key that locks and unlocks your doors from a distance, as well as proximity sensors that start your engine These are only controlled by a professional using special equipment This kind of machine is usually only available at dealerships Laser-cut keys are a different kind of high-tech key that needs specialized machinery to create an extra These are thicker than conventional keys and have deep grooves and ridges to ensure better durability and security The price of a laser-cut key is typically a little higher than an key for cars, but it could be significantly higher if it includes a transponder chip Depending on the make and model of your vehicle It is possible to spend anywhere from 100-850 for a new car key This doesn't include fees, taxes or charges related to the purchase In general, the best alternative for obtaining an alternative key is to call an auto locksmith because they are competitively priced and can usually provide you with a working key in a short amount of time You can also contact roadside assistance providers However, they could be more expensive and less reliable The kind of key Many people are unaware that the cost of duplicate car keys depend on the type of key you have While a classic double-edged metal car key is easily replaced at a hardware store in your area for less than 10, modern key fobs require expert programming to ensure they function with your specific vehicle It is important to choose a locksmith who offers mobile service and has the tools and software necessary to create a new car key right on the spot Transponder keys are required to operate in more recent cars They can be bought at the dealership or auto parts stores They are more expensive to duplicate and require a particular machine that is normally only available at the dealer This makes them the most costly kind of car key to replace Laser-cut keys are more difficult to duplicate and are often more expensive These keys require a special machine only found at dealerships in order to make the distinct cuts in the blank keys They can add 50 or more to a brand new key Switchblade keys are a different type of car key that is difficult to duplicate, and they can be very expensive too https//wwwcarinabraedentop/automotive/your-go-to-guide-for-replacement-keys-for-car/ are the keys that you've seen your friends playing with They fold into keyfobs They can be repaired by a locksmith for 150 or more, but they're harder to steal than regular keys Smart keys are the most expensive car keys They use radio frequency to connect with your vehicle computer These are the most secure and advanced keys, however they are the most expensive to replace It's not uncommon for them to run up to 600 It's best to talk with your locksmith, dealer or mechanic about the various kinds of car keys and how much they'll cost to duplicate or program them The location of your vehicle The days of buying a duplicate key for your car from a hardware shop for less than 10 have passed Now, it can cost upwards of 160 or more to replace a lost key- depending on the type of key you need Here are the factors that affect the cost of replacing keys The model and make of your vehicle will have the most significant factors in the cost of replacing a car key Newer cars tend to utilize modern technology, therefore they can be more expensive to duplicate or repair than older models Some cars also require special tools to cut the key blades which can add up to the total cost of replacement The majority of cars have a remote key fob, which is an electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from the distance This is useful in a stormy or dangerous locations, but it's not impervious to loss or damage The key fob is connected to the ignition switch via a wire and can be reprogrammed at your local car dealership or an automotive locksmith A key fob may also be paired with your phone, so that you can start your car using your smartwatch or another device These key fobs may be the most expensive as they require software codes which are only available from the manufacturer The location you live in will also affect the cost of a replacement key for your car Prices can be higher in large cities or rural areas, along with various kinds of locks Some locks are harder to open or cut, and require more expertise and training A car dealer or locksmith can often duplicate a common car key with a chip at a reasonable cost However, if you own an advanced key fob, the only option to replace it is to visit the dealership The majority of dealerships charge a fee, but their service is often more reliable and could save you time and money Moreover, the price of the car key fob could be covered by your auto insurance policy, although it is crucial to review the terms of your policy prior to making a claim The locksmith or towtruck It's not a pleasant experience to replace the car key, but if you know what you're doing it's possible to make the process easier You'll need to know what kind of key you own and the locksmith or tow truck that will provide the service, and how much it will cost Find out if you are covered by your car insurance or warranty Hardware stores can replace a traditional double-edged lock for around 10 If you lose your original key you can have a replica made at home If you have an advanced key such as transponder or key fob it is necessary to consult a professional automotive locksmith They'll require the model and year of your vehicle as well as proof of ownership like the title or registration and an extra key If you have a fob equipped with a switchblade keys, it might require a special programming process that only a dealer is able to do You'll have to program a laser-cut keys or a key that has an embedded transponder chip If you have one This will cost between 150 and 225 The process by a dealership is slightly more expensive however it will save you the hassle of waiting for a third party to get the job done The attempt to extract a broken or locked key on your own can cause more damage to the lock, making the task more difficult If you have a spare key, it's recommended to call a professional since they'll be familiar with the particular type of lock and have the necessary solutions for any problems that might arise Before you lose your keys, make sure you write down the number of your vehicle identification VIN The VIN is located in many places It is typically located on the dashboard of the driver's side of the car, under the hood, in the door jamb or in the trunk The VIN can also be found on the papers that came along with your vehicle, or on your insurance policy