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The Cost of a Replacement Car Key Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. It's important to keep in mind that a replacement key might not be as costly as you think. The cost of a replacement for a car key is contingent on a variety of factors, including the kind of key you need as well as the location of your home. Keys that are traditional are the cheapest, while smart keys are the most expensive. Cost of the parts The cost will differ based on the type of key that you need. Keys with transponder chips that are standard are available for $50 to $110. The price increases when you require keys with a transponder chip, or a vehicle with a push-to-start feature which requires an additional fob to activate the car. The keys are costly to duplicate and replace, and harder to steal. key replacement for car cost is also affected by the year, make and model of car you own. Newer vehicles may come with transponder chips which need to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that the replacement key needs to be programmed to function with the vehicle and could cost as much as $200. Other factors that impact the cost of replacement keys include: Auto locksmiths might be the most affordable, but they lack the equipment to handle advanced key fobs or vehicles. If you don't have the appropriate tools, it could be difficult to duplicate a simple key at a hardware shop. You can also contact roadside assistance for a replacement key. However, they'll transport your vehicle to a dealer, and the process could take a few days. If you have an old key fob, it is recommended to purchase laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them by yourself. However, this is becoming more and more difficult because key fobs are often equipped with security features that prevent theft. Many companies have software that can be used to make keys, however these are generally only available to customers with service contracts or as a courtesy through the dealership. Most locksmiths won't open cars that have had their locks forced or tampered. Insurance providers will be alerted if you make use of wire hangers to open your car. Cost of Labor The kind of car key you need will determine how much it will cost to replace. A traditional double-edged car key can be duplicated at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, more advanced keys require special machines to design and manufacture. This could significantly increase the cost of replacing your car key. If your car has the key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll have to have a new fob installed as well. This can run up to $200, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Furthermore, many of the newer models also include a transponder inside the key that needs to be replaced and programmed in order to function correctly. This is a cost that is hard to estimate before the key is lost and must be replaced. A specialized cutting machine is also required to make the new key replacement. They can be costly to purchase and not accessible to people who don't have a mechanic's shop. Furthermore, the key's housing must be replaced as well which could add to the total cost of an replacement car key. Depending on the type of car key You may also have to purchase replacement parts. For instance, certain key fobs have features such as remote lock/unlock and panic buttons that can add to overall cost. Furthermore, certain key fobs require batteries that can be quite pricey to replace. It is best to make an extra car key before you lose the original one. This will lessen the stress that comes with losing your keys and will ensure that you always have a functional backup. If you do need a new key, seek out an auto dealer or locksmith equipped to work with your vehicle. It will cost less than buying a new key from the dealer and you can avoid the high fees that come with this method. If you own keys that require programming, it's important to keep a record of the immobilizer code or key number in case you need to get it reprogrammed in the future. This information is available on your registration or title, or on other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer will charge a fee to supply this information. Cost of Equipment Modern automobiles come with key fobs that can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle by simply pressing a button. These devices are extremely convenient, however they can also be expensive to replace if they are lost or broken. Fortunately, car fob key replacement can save you money by replacing these kinds of keys, without the cost of replacing the device itself. There are many aspects to take into consideration when determining the price of a new car key. The year, make & model of the vehicle. There are a variety of car keys, ranging from laser-cut keys to switchblades. They are extremely difficult to duplicate since they are distinct. This is especially true for modern car keys, that have transponders that need to be programmed to the vehicle. This can be accomplished by a professional, however it will generally cost more than a simple key copy. The model of car you drive can influence the cost. Keys for older cars that are basic cost less to replace. However the most modern cars require a special device that can cost up $500 to replace. The type of key as well as the location of the car could also affect the cost of a new key. You may be charged more to tow your vehicle to the nearest dealership if you lose your keys in an area unfamiliar. You can cut down on this expense by keeping keys in a safe place like your home or office. It is also important to understand that most times keys for new cars has to be programmed by a dealer. It is because the majority of main dealers do not offer mobile key programming and only do this in their workshop. It could be costly in the event that you lose your primary set of keys. It's advisable to keep a spare set on you. Cost of Key Replacement Depending on the make and model of your car You may need to purchase replacement keys from a dealer or an automotive locksmith. Check your vehicle's key to see if it has an electronic transponder or smart key chip. These technologies can increase the cost of your vehicle key replacement. A typical car without a keyfob is cheap and can be duplicated at a local hardware shop for less than $25. It's a good idea have a backup in the event that you lose your original. Most modern cars come with the key fob that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your car. It can be a hassle to replace in the event of a loss, as you'll need to contact the manufacturer to get the new one and connect it with your vehicle. The cost of a replacement key fob ranges from $50 to $125. In some cases you can change a keyfob in the dealership if you have evidence of ownership, such as a registration or title. However, the dealer may charge an additional cost to cover travel costs and time spent on an unreachable location. You can also purchase an aftermarket key online, or even directly from the car manufacturer. This is a cheaper option, but it is also more risky due to the fact that the quality of the keys can't be assured. You should never attempt to gain entry into your car with the use of wire hangers or even force, as this could cause alarms and make it difficult for a professional locksmith to open the door of your car. This could also result in damage to the lock, which will cause higher costs for repairs or replacements. If you are able to locate your car keys, it may be worth the extra expense to get them cloned at an auto repair shop instead of at the dealership. This could save you lots of money, particularly if you have a spare key at home.