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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? Losing your car keys can be difficult and costly. The cost of replacing them is dependent on the type of key and the location where it is made. Locksmiths can usually copy traditional keys for less than $10. However, a lot of newer vehicles use transponder chip technology which must be programmed at the dealership. Keys cut with lasers and switchblade keys are more expensive and require an excursion to the dealer. Model and Make of Your Vehicle Losing your car keys could be a stressful and frustrating experience. If you have a spare car key and you know what type of key you lost, it can be simpler to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key, for instance, a locksmith could likely make a duplicate quickly and easily. However, more advanced types of keys require specialized knowledge to be copied. These keys also need to be reprogrammed, so you'll need to visit your dealer to obtain a replacement. The kind of key lost will also determine how much it will cost to replace. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is fitted into the ignition cylinder is lower than keys with a transponder which must be programmed. The latter will also typically cost more to replace if it is equipped with a switchblade key or other special features. The cost of replacing your car keys can also be affected by the method you choose to replace it yourself or with the help by a professional. Professionals charge more than DIY methods, but they will save you time and frustration. They will also have the best knowledge regarding your specific vehicle. It's a good idea to replace the car key. It is important to be aware of all the factors that will determine the cost of replacing your car keys so you can plan ahead. The best method to figure out the price your car key will cost is to find a local auto locksmith. They will be able to provide you with a quote based on the particular car model and the make. They will also have the tools to complete the task. Another option is calling roadside assistance, however this can be more costly. website noting that your insurance provider may offer this service as a part of your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they'll offer the services you require. Dealerships In the past having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn't an issue. It was simple to have your car towed by roadside assistance, obtain the replacement key and get back on the road in a short time. As cars advanced in technology, so too have their keys, which makes them more expensive to replace. The best method to save money is to not go to the dealership, unless you require a new key fob, key remote or transponder chip key. Instead, search for an independent locksmith or key replacement shop that offers OEM or third-party keys at much less cost. A lot of these shops provide an online search tool to help you locate a store close to where you live. It's also worth looking for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, since they are typically less expensive than dealerships. They may not have your type of key on hand and will have to purchase it. If they have the key, you can expect to be charged between $200 and $350. Dealers might offer in-house services to replace car keys or fix other lockout issues However, these are more expensive than a locksmith that is independent. This is especially relevant for top car brands like Ford Chevy Toyota and Chrysler. The key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complicated for these manufacturers. If you find yourself at the dealership, be sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If so, calling the dealership to inform them of the warranty may help you save money. They might even be in a position to send an emergency locksmith to your location to unlock your vehicle and create a new key on the spot. This is an excellent option when you do not have time to wait around for your dealership to set up and make your key. You can save up to 50% by using an independent locksmith rather than the service center of the dealership. Independent Locksmiths Losing your car keys not just stressful, but can also be costly. The most budget-friendly option to replace keys that have been lost is to find an independent locksmith as they typically cost less than going to a dealership and don't have the same overhead expenses. The cost of a replacement key can also vary depending on whether or whether you have an existing key that you can copy from. If you already have a key that you have, the cost will be much lower since it can be copied from the key without having to be programmed. Most of the time, 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. This process can vary depending on the model and make of your car. It can be as easy or as complicated as entering a code or using an encryption device. Lastly, it is important to remember that the location of your car will also affect the cost of getting an alternative key. If you're stranded out in the middle, it can be more costly to replace your car's key because there may be no one in the vicinity to help. Most people in this situation depend on assistance from the roadside however, it can be costly and only cover a portion of the cost. One thing that could be helpful to remember when calculating the cost of replacing your key is that many independent locksmiths offer discounts on their services to first-time 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 instead of 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 and be less expensive 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 company and inquire about the cost. Certain insurance companies provide a premium to cover keys that are lost. Replacement Keys There are a myriad of factors that can affect the cost of a new key for your vehicle, whether you have lost yours or need to replace one. The first thing to note down the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number) which will assist you in determining where you need to go in order to get a new key. This number can be found on the driver's side of your dashboard or in the vehicle owner's manual. Based on the year, make and model of your car You may have to visit a dealer in order to get an additional key, particularly if it contains an electronic transponder chip. These chips communicate with the vehicle to start it, so they must be programmed in order to work. This is accomplished using special equipment that is usually only available at the dealership and can cost as high as $200 for a replacement fob and key. If your car only has traditional keys that do not have transponder chips, a locksmith will be able duplicate it at a cheaper cost. Depending on the kind of key, this can be as low as $10 or up to $150 for a whole set of replacement keys. Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and therefore more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds down into fobs, is typically more expensive than any other type of key because it requires more effort to produce. Another expensive option is a smart key, which uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram and usually will cost the most for an alternative key. You can locate an auto-locksmith local to you who is familiar with the model that you drive if need to visit the dealership. website 'll likely be able to give you a cheaper estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership. Some even offer mobile services that allow them to visit your home or workplace to cut and program the keys for you.