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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 depends on the type of key you have and the location where it is made. Traditional keys are usually copied by locksmiths for less than $10 however, many modern cars have transponder chips which must be programmed by the dealer. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require an excursion to the dealer. Make and Model of Your Vehicle When you lose your car keys it can be difficult and difficult. However, if you have an extra key and know what kind of car key you lost, the process may be a bit more straightforward. A locksmith can make a copy of a mechanical key from the past relatively quickly and efficiently such as. However, more advanced kinds of keys require specific knowledge to be copied. These keys also need to be reprogrammed. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a replacement. The type of key that is lost will also determine the cost of replacing it. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is put into the ignition cylinder is lower than the key fob which has an electronic transponder that must be programmed. It is more expensive to replace the key fob if it is equipped with a switchblade, or other special features. The cost of replacing your car keys can be affected by the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help a professional. Professionals typically cost more than DIY methods however they can save you a lot of time and frustration. They also have the most expertise with your specific type of vehicle. It's worth the expense to replace keys to your car. You should familiarize yourself with all the factors that will affect the cost of replacing your car keys so you can plan ahead. Find a local auto locksmith to receive 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 car. They will also have the tools needed to do a quality job. Roadside assistance is a different option, but it can be costly. Also, you should know that your insurance provider may include this service in your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they'll offer the services you require. Dealerships In the past the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car was not a huge deal. You could simply call roadside assistance, have your vehicle towed to the dealer, pick up a new key and get back on the road in a matter of minutes. As cars advanced in technology and so have keys, making them more expensive to replace. The most efficient method to save money is to not go to the dealership unless you require a new key fob, key remote or transponder chip key. Find a local independent locksmith or shop for replacement keys that can provide OEM keys or 3rd-party ones for less than the cost. Many of these stores have an online search tool that will assist you in finding the nearest store. It's also worth looking for a place to cut and program standard keys, since these are usually cheaper than dealerships. The disadvantage is that they might not have the type of key you need in stock and may need to order it for you. If they do have the key you require, expect to be paying between $220 and $350 for replacement and programming. Dealers may provide in-house services to replace car keys or resolve other lockout problems However, these are more expensive than an independent locksmith. This is especially applicable to top car brands like Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chips are more complex and expensive to replace than other manufacturers'. If you find yourself at a dealership, be sure to ask whether there are any guarantees that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty may lower your cost. It is possible to have an emergency locksmith to your location who can unlock your car on the spot and create a new key. This is a great option when you don't have the time to wait for your dealer to set up and make your key. You can save up to half by using an independent locksmith rather than the dealership's service center. Independent Locksmiths In addition to being extremely stressful losing your car keys can be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the most economical way to replace lost keys. They are less expensive than dealerships and do not have as much overhead costs. The cost of a replacement key may be different depending on whether or there is an existing key that you can copy from. If you have it this, it will cost lower since the copy can be made using the current key and does not require programming. Older mechanical keys without a transponder 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 work with your vehicle's system. Depending on your car's model and make, this process can be as easy as entering the code, or as complicated as using a special decryptor to modify the key for proper operation. Lastly, it is important to note that the location of your car will also affect the cost of acquiring the new key. If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, having the car key replaced could be more costly as there might not be any one nearby to assist you with the process. This is because many people in this kind of situation depend on roadside assistance. However, these services can be pricey and will usually only cover part of the cost. One thing that can be useful to keep in mind when calculating the cost of replacing your keys is that many independent locksmiths will offer discounts on their services for new customers or those who recommend them to others. They do this because they want their business to grow and rely more on word of mouth marketing, rather than costly advertisements. One final tip is to always have an extra key on hand, since this will not only keep you from the stress of dealing with the loss of a car key however, it will be much cheaper than trying to replace keys that have been lost at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost to replace your car key, contact your insurance provider and ask for more information. Some insurance companies offer an additional fee to replace keys that are lost. Key Replacement There are a myriad of factors that could impact the cost of a new key for your car, whether you have lost yours or require a replacement. You should first write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car. key replacement car will allow you decide the best place to go to obtain the replacement key. This number is located on the driver's dashboard or in the owner's manual. Based on the year, make and model of your car depending on the year, make and model of your car, you may need go to a dealership to purchase an additional key, particularly if it contains an electronic transponder chip. These chips communicate with the vehicle in order to start it, so they must be programmed to function. This is done with special machines, which are usually only available at dealerships and can cost as much as $200 for an entirely new fob and key. If your car only has a traditional key without transponder chips, a locksmith should be able duplicate it at a lower price. It could cost as little as $10 for one set of keys or up to $150, depending on the kind. Other types of keys are a little 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 takes more work to make. Another expensive option is a smart lock, which utilizes a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It can be difficult to reprogram and usually will cost you the most for the replacement key. If you aren't able to afford going to a dealership to purchase your new key, look for an auto locksmith in your area who is specialized in the type of vehicle you drive. They'll likely be able to provide a less expensive quote and be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some offer mobile services, where they'll visit your house or office to cut keys and program them for you.