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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? Losing your car keys is frustrating and expensive. The cost of replacing them depends on the type of key you have and where you get it made. Traditional keys are usually copied by locksmiths for less than $10 but many newer cars use transponder chips which must be programmed by the dealer. Keys cut with lasers and blades are more expensive, and require an appointment with the dealer. Make and Model of Your Vehicle The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and frustrating experience. If you have an extra car key and you know the type of key you lost, it can be simpler to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith can probably make a duplicate fairly quickly and easily. To duplicate more sophisticated keys, you will need special knowledge. They also need to be programmed, meaning you'll likely have to go to your dealership to purchase a new key. The type of lost key will also determine the cost to replace it. For instance, mechanical keys that simply insert into the ignition cylinder will cost less replace than a key fob which has a special transponder that has to be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob if it is equipped with a switchblade or other specific features. The decision to replace your key with the help of an expert or DIY could have an impact on the cost of replacing your car keys as well. Professionals are more expensive than DIY methods, but they will save you time and frustration. They will also have the most experience regarding your specific vehicle. It's worth the expense to replace keys to your car. It's an excellent idea to be aware of the factors that determine how much it will cost so you can plan in advance. Find a local auto-locksmith to obtain an estimate of the cost of your car key. They will be able to give you an estimate based upon the model and make of your vehicle. They'll also have the tools needed to complete the task. Roadside assistance is a different option however it can be expensive. It's worth noting that your insurance provider may offer this service as a part of your policy. However it's not a guarantee that they'll provide the services you require. Dealerships It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys or losing keys was not a huge deal. It was simple to have your car towed by roadside assistance, obtain an alternative key and be back on road in no time. As cars have evolved in terms of technology, so have the keys. This means they are more expensive to replace. Avoiding the dealership is the best way to cut down on expenses, unless you need the purchase of a new key remote key fob, or transponder key. Instead, find an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that can provide OEM or third-party keys for much less cost. Many of these stores offer an online search tool to help you locate a store close to you. You should also try to locate a shop that can cut and program a standard-sized key, because they're typically cheaper than a dealer. They may not have the kind of key in stock, and will need to purchase it. If they do have the key you require expect to be paying between $220 and $350 for the replacement and programming. Dealers may offer in-house services to replace keys for cars or resolve other lockout problems however, they are more expensive than a locksmith that is independent. This is especially relevant for popular car brands such as Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chips are more complicated and expensive to replace than other manufacturers'. If you end up at a dealership, make sure to ask whether there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty might aid in reducing your bill. They might even be in a position to send an emergency locksmith to your home to unlock the car and make a brand new key on the spot. This is an excellent option when you do not have time to wait around for your dealership to make and install your key. Moreover, you might be able to save up to 50% by visiting an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center. Independent Locksmiths Losing your car keys not just stressful, it can also be costly. Independent locksmiths are the most cost-effective way to replace lost keys. They are cheaper than dealerships and don't have the same overhead costs. If you already have a working key, the cost of a new key will vary. If you have one this, it will cost less since a copy can be made from the current key and does not require programming. Typically, older mechanical keys that do not have a transponder chip in them can be copied for less than $10. Modern electronic keys, on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate because they need to be programmed to be compatible with your vehicle's system. Based on the car's model and make the procedure can be as easy as entering the code or as intricate as using a special decryptor to reprogram the key to function properly. It is also important to remember that the location of the vehicle could affect the cost of a new key. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, it can be more costly to replace your car keys because there's no one in the vicinity to help. Most people in this situation depend on roadside assistance, but it can be costly and only cover a small portion of the cost. One thing that can be helpful to remember when calculating the cost of replacing your key is that many independent locksmiths will offer discounts for their services for new customers or those who recommend them to others. This is due to the fact that they wish to expand their business and rely on word of mouth marketing, as opposed to expensive advertisements. Another tip is to always keep an extra key on hand, since this will not only save you from the headache of dealing with lost car keys, but it will also be much cheaper than trying to replace lost keys at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key, call your insurance provider and ask for more information. Certain insurance companies provide the option of a fee to replace lost keys. Key Replacement There are many aspects that could affect the cost of an additional key for your vehicle, whether you've lost your key or you need to replace it. The first thing you should do is write down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) which will assist you in determining where you'll need to go to obtain a new key. This number can be found on the side of the dashboard that is on the driver or in the owner's manual. Based on G28 , model and model of your vehicle, you may need to visit a dealer to obtain new keys, particularly when it has an electronic transponder chip. These chips communicate with the vehicle to start it, and therefore they need to be programmed to function. This is done with special machines, which are typically only available through dealerships. They can cost up to $200 for a new fob and key. If your car is equipped with traditional keys that do not have transponder chips it is likely to locate a locksmith who will duplicate it for a much lesser cost. Depending on the kind of key, this can be as little as $10 or even $150 for an entire set of keys replacement. Some keys are more difficult to duplicate and are more expensive. If you own a switchblade key that folds into the fob, this is often more expensive than other types of keys, as it requires more effort to create. Smart keys, which rely on proximity sensors to open the car door, are a different costly option. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key may be high. You can locate a local auto-locksmith who is familiar with the brand that you drive if need to visit a dealership. They'll likely be able to provide a less expensive quote and be more reliable than a dealership. Some even offer mobile service that allow them to visit your home or workplace to cut and program the keys for you.