Factors That Influence the Cost For Replacement Car Key If you lose your car keys, it can be a stressful event The cost of a replacement key can vary, depending on the kind of vehicle and the type of key The first thing you need to do is to determine the type of key your vehicle has Certain cars are equipped with advanced keys which are only replaceable at a dealership What is the model and make of your vehicle The days of walking into an hardware store and buying duplicate keys for cars made at pennies are now gone Key fobs are today tiny electronic devices that include everything from an RF transceiver and batteries to printed circuit boards and a specific transponder chips They are more secure and less expensive than traditional keys The make and model of your vehicle will eventually determine the price you'll pay for a replacement key for your car In general, the more old the key, the cheaper it will cost Older keys are the basic metal models that start your car when turned in an ignition cylinder They don't require any special technology to operate They can be replaced at a reasonable price through an automotive locksmith or purchased at a dealership or a car parts store The newer cars have advanced security and technological features, like a smart key which locks and unlocks the doors from a distance and a proximity sensor to start the engine They can only be programmed by a professional with special equipment This type of device is typically only available at dealerships Laser-cut keys require specialized machinery to make spare They are more robust than standard keys and come with deep grooves and ridges for more durability and security A key cut by laser could cost a little more than a standard key However in the event that the key is equipped with a transponder, it could be more Based on the make and model of your car, you can expect to pay between 100 and 850 for a new car key This does not include any taxes, fees or other extra costs that could be associated with the purchase Auto locksmiths are the most suitable choice for obtaining the new key They have competitive rates and are usually in a position to supply you with a key in a short time You can also call roadside assistance companies However, they may be more expensive and less reliable The kind of key Many people are unaware that car key duplication costs will vary depending on the type of key you have While https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/ -edged metal car key can be replaced at a local hardware store for less than 10, modern key fobs require professional programming to ensure they work with your specific vehicle This is why it's important to find a reliable locksmith who offers mobile service, and that has the appropriate tools and software to design a keys for you on the spot Transponder keys are required to operate in newer cars They can be bought from the dealer or auto parts stores These are more expensive to duplicate and require a specific machine that is normally only available at the dealer This is why they are the most expensive kind of car key to replace Laser-cut keys can also be more difficult to replicate, and often cost more They have distinct cuts that need to be etched into the key blank, and require a special machine that is only available in dealerships These can add 50 or more to a new key Switchblade keys can also be very expensive and are hard to duplicate These are the keys you've probably seen your buddies playing with and fold into their key fobs They can be replaced by a locksmith for 150 or more, but they're much harder to steal than regular keys Smart keys are among the most expensive car keys They utilize radio frequency to communicate with your car's computer These are the most secure and high-tech keys, but they're also the most expensive to replace It's not unusual for them to cost upwards of 600 dollars It is recommended to speak with your locksmith, dealer or mechanic to find out what it will cost to duplicate or program the various kinds of keys The location of your vehicle The days when you could walk into an hardware store and purchase a duplicate car key for less than 10 are gone Now, it can cost up to 160 or more to replace a lost key -dependent on the type of key you require Here are the factors that influence the cost of replacement keys The make and model of your vehicle have the most significant factors in the cost of a replacement car key Newer cars tend to utilize the latest technology, which means they may cost more to duplicate or repair than older models Some cars require special tools to cut the blades of the keys, which can add to the cost Most cars come with a remote key fob, which is a device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from the distance It is useful in bad weather and dangerous areas, but it is prone to theft or damage The key fob is reprogrammable by an automotive locksmith or your local dealer in cars A key fob may be paired with your smartphone, allowing you to start your car with your smartwatch These kinds of key fobs are usually the most expensive to replace, since they require a specific software code that only the manufacturer can provide The location you live in can also impact the price of a new car key Prices can be higher in cities or in rural areas, and also for various types of locks This is due to the fact that certain locks are more difficult to cut or open, and require more skill and knowledge A car dealer or locksmith can usually duplicate a standard metal car key that has chip at a reasonable cost If, however, you have an advanced key fob, the only option to get it replaced is to go to the dealership Most dealers charge a premium however their services are usually more reliable and can save you time and money Furthermore, the cost of a car key fob will be covered by your insurance policy on your vehicle, but it is essential to verify the terms of your policy prior to making claims The locksmith or towtruck Key replacement for your car isn't always a pleasant experience, but it's less painful with the proper information You'll need to know the type of key, locksmith, or tow truck, who will perform the service and the cost You should also see whether or not you're covered under your warranty or car insurance Hardware stores can repair the traditional double-edged lock at about 10 If you lose your original key you can have a replica made at home If you own an advanced key, like transponder or key fob it is necessary to talk to a professional locksmith They'll need the model and year of your vehicle and evidence of ownership like the title or registration and a spare key If you have a key fob that has a switchblade, it might require special programming Only dealers are qualified to perform this If you own an electronic key cut with lasers or one with an embedded transponder chip, it'll need to be programmed to the vehicle The cost will be between 150 to 225 Getting it done at the dealership can be a little more expensive however it will save you the frustration of waiting for a third party to finish the job It is possible to damage the lock by trying to remove a broken key or jammed This will make the task more difficult If you have a spare key, it's recommended to call an expert since they're familiar with the type of lock and have contingencies for any problems that may arise You must write down your VIN, or vehicle identification number VIN, prior to losing your car keys The VIN is found in many places, including on the dashboard of the driver's side of your car, under the engine's hood or in the door jamb, or in the trunk of the vehicle You can also find the VIN on the paper that came with your vehicle or in your insurance policy