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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? Losing your car keys can be costly and frustrating. The cost to replace them is contingent on the location and what kind of key you've made. Locksmiths can typically duplicate traditional keys for less than $10. However, the majority of modern vehicles use transponder chip technology that need to be programmed by the dealership. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require a trip to the dealership. Make and Model of Your Vehicle Losing your car keys could be a stressful and frustrating experience. If you have a spare car key and you know the type of key you lost, it can be more straightforward to duplicate. A locksmith can make a copy of an older mechanical key relatively quickly and efficiently such as. To copy more advanced keys, you'll require special skills. These keys also need to be reprogrammed, so you'll need to visit your dealer to get a replacement. The type of key that is lost will also determine the cost to replace it. The cost of replacing a conventional mechanical key that is put into the ignition cylinder is much less than the cost of replacing the key fob which has transponder, which needs to be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob, if it's equipped with a switchblade, or other special features. Whether you choose to replace your key with the assistance of a professional or do it yourself may affect the cost of replacing your car keys as well. Professionals cost more than DIY methods but can save you time and frustration. They'll also have the most experience with your particular type of vehicle. While getting a car key replaced can be costly, it's worth it in the long in the long. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the factors that affect the cost so that you can plan accordingly. Find a local auto locksmith to receive an estimate of the cost of your car key. They will be able to provide you with a price based on your specific car model and the make. They'll have the equipment to do a good job. Roadside assistance is another option, but it can be costly. It's important to note that your insurance provider may offer this service as a part of your policy. However it's not a guarantee that they will offer the services you require. Dealerships It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or loosing keys was not a huge issue. You could simply call roadside assistance to have your car towed to the dealer, pick up a new key and be back on the road in a matter of minutes. However, as key replacement car have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, making them more costly to replace. The best method to save money is to not go to the dealership, unless you need a new key fob, key remote or transponder chip keys. Find an independent car key replacement shop or locksmith that offers OEM or 3rd-party keys for only a fraction of the cost. Many of these stores offer an online search tool that can help you locate a store close to you. It is also worth looking for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, since they are typically less expensive than dealerships. The drawback is that they may not have the type of key you need in stock and may have to purchase it for you. If they do have the key you need, expect to pay between $220 and $350 for the replacement and programming. Some dealers offer in-house service for replacing keys to cars and other lockout issues, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or independent service. This is especially relevant to the most well-known automobile brands, such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Chrysler. Their key chips and fobs are more complex and expensive to replace than other manufacturers'. If you do find yourself at the dealer, make sure to check for any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty might lower your cost. You might be able to have an emergency locksmith to your location. They will unlock the vehicle right there and create a replacement key. This is a great option when you do not have the patience to wait for your dealership to make and install your key. You can cut costs by up to half by using an independent locksmith instead of the service center of the dealership. Independent Locksmiths Aside from being incredibly stressful the loss of your car keys could be costly. Independent locksmiths are the most economical method of replacing keys lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and do not have as many overhead costs. The cost of a replacement key may depend on whether or not you have an existing working key to copy from. If you have an existing key it will cost much lower as it can be copied from the key without the need to be programmed. Typically, older mechanical keys that don't contain a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10. On the other side, modern electronic key fobs are much more expensive to duplicate since they require programming in order to work with your car's system. The procedure can differ based on the make and model of your vehicle. It can be as easy or as complicated as entering a code, or using decryptors. It is also important to remember that the location of the vehicle may influence 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. This is because most people in this position rely on roadside assistance, however these services can be costly and usually only cover a portion of the costs involved. One thing that is helpful when you calculate your replacement key cost is that many locksmiths who are independent 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 costly advertising. A final suggestion to always keep a spare car key. This will spare you the burden of replacing a key that has been lost, and is less expensive than attempting to do it at the last moment. If you are concerned about the cost of replacing your car key contact your insurance provider for more details on their conditions and terms. Some insurance companies offer a premium to cover keys that are lost. Key Replacement There are many factors that could impact the cost of the new key for your car, whether you've lost your key or you need to replace it. The first thing to take note of the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number) to assist you in determining where you need to go to obtain a new key. The VIN number is located on the driver's side of your dashboard or in the vehicle owner's manual. You may have to visit a dealer to obtain a new keys in the event that yours has an electronic transponder. The chips need to be programmed to work by communicating with the vehicle to allow it to start. This is accomplished using special equipment, which is usually only available at dealerships. They can cost up to $200 for an entirely new key and fob. If your car has an old-fashioned key that does not have transponder chips it is likely to locate a locksmith who will duplicate it at a lesser cost. This could cost as little as $10 for keys or $150 based on the type. Different types of keys are more difficult to duplicate and may be more expensive. If you have a switchblade key that folds down into a fob, this can be more expensive than other types of keys, as it is more labor-intensive to create. Another option that can be costly is a smart key, that uses the proximity sensor to open the car door. This can be difficult to reprogram, and typically will cost you the most for an alternative key. There is an auto-locksmith local to you who is familiar with the model you own if you don't prefer to visit the dealership. They'll likely be able to provide a less expensive estimate and will be more reliable than a dealership would be. Some offer mobile services, which means they'll come to your house or office to cut and program keys for you.