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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? The loss of your car keys can be costly and frustrating. The cost of replacing keys varies based on where you are and what type of key you have made. Locksmiths are usually able to copy traditional keys for less than $10. However, many newer automobiles use transponder chip technology that must be programmed at the dealership. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are even more expensive and require an excursion to the dealer. Model and Make of Your Vehicle Losing your car keys could be stressful and frustrating. If you have a spare car key and know what kind of key you lost, it can be simpler to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith can likely make a duplicate quickly and easily. To copy more advanced keys, you'll require special skills. These keys must also be reprogrammed, so you'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a replacement. The type of key lost will also determine the cost of replacing it. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is fitted into the ignition cylinder is lower than the key fob which has a transponder which must be programmed. The latter will also typically cost more to replace if it comes with a switchblade key or other special features. If you decide to replace your key with the help of a professional or DIY could affect the cost of replacing your car key as well. Professionals typically charge more than DIY methods, but they can save you time and frustration. They also have the most experience with your specific type of vehicle. While getting a car key replaced is costly but it's worth it in the long in the long. You must be aware of all the factors that will affect the cost of your car key replacement so you can plan ahead. Find vehicle key replacement -locksmith to receive an estimate of the cost of your car key. They can give you an estimate based on the specific make and model of your vehicle. They will have the equipment to perform a great job. Another option is calling roadside assistance, but this can be more costly. Also, you should know that your insurance company may include this service in your policy. It's not a guarantee, however, that they will provide the services you require. Dealerships It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or loosing them was not a big issue. You could call roadside assistance, have your car towed to a dealership, purchase a new key, and be back on the road in a matter of minutes. As cars become more technologically advanced as well, so do their keys – and that makes them more expensive to replace. Avoiding the dealership is the most efficient way to cut costs, unless you require a new key remote, transponder or key fob. Instead, look for an independent locksmith or car key replacement shop that sells OEM or third-party keys for much less cost. Many of these shops offer an online search tool to help you locate a store near you. It is also worth looking for a shop that can cut and program standard keys, as these are usually cheaper than dealerships. They may not have your kind of key in stock and you'll need to purchase it. If they have the key, you could expect to spend between $200 and $350. Dealers may offer in-house services to replace car keys or solve other lockout issues, but these are still more expensive than a locksmith who is independent. This is especially relevant to the most well-known models of cars like Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Chrysler. Their key fobs and chips are more complex and expensive to replace than other brands'. If you do end up at the dealer, make sure to inquire about any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, contacting the dealership to inform them of the warranty may help you save money. They might even be in a position to send a mobile locksmith to your location to unlock the car and make a brand new key right there. This is a great solution if you can't afford to wait days for the dealership to order the key and install it. You can save up to half by hiring an independent locksmith rather than the dealership's service center. Independent Locksmiths Apart from being extremely stressful, losing your car keys can be costly. The most cost-effective way to replace keys that have been lost is to look for an independent locksmith as they typically cost less than going to the 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 working key to copy from. If you have it, it will cost much less as a copy can be made from the key that is currently in use and doesn't need to be programmed. Most of the time, mechanical keys that do not contain a transponder chip them can be copied for less than $10. Modern electronic keys, on the other hand, are more expensive to duplicate as they must be programmed to integrate with the system of your vehicle. Based on the make and model the procedure can be as easy as entering the code, or as complicated as utilizing a decryptor to modify the key to function properly. In the end, it is important to remember that the location of your vehicle will also affect the cost of acquiring a new key. If you're stranded out in the middle, it can be more costly to replace your car key because there's no one in the vicinity to help. In this type of situation, most people depend on assistance from the roadside, but it can be costly and only cover a fraction of the cost. One thing that is useful to keep in mind when calculating your replacement key cost is that many locksmiths who are independent will offer discounts for their services for first-time 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 suggestion make sure you have an extra car key. This will avoid the headache of replacing the key that was lost, and it will be less expensive than trying to do so at the last moment. If you're concerned about the cost to replace your car keys, contact your insurance company and inquire about the cost. Some insurance companies offer an additional fee to replace lost keys. Replacement Keys Whether you lost your key or you simply want to replace one that is old there are a lot of things that can factor into the cost of purchasing the new car key. The first thing to take note of your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) to aid you in determining where you'll need to go in order to get an additional key. This number can be found on the side of the dashboard that is on the driver or in the vehicle owner's manual. Depending on the year, model and model of your car You may have go to a dealership in order to get new keys, particularly in the case of an electronic transponder chip. These chips communicate with the vehicle to begin it, which is why they have to be programmed in order to work. This is done with special equipment that is usually only available through the dealership and can cost upwards of $200 for a new fob and key. If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key that does not have transponder chips You should be able to find a locksmith that can duplicate it at a cheaper price. This could cost as little as $10 for keys or as much as $150 based on the type. Different types of keys are a little more difficult to replicate and could be more expensive. If you own a switchblade key that folds down into a fob, this is often more expensive than other key types because it is more labor-intensive to make. Another expensive option is a smart key that uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and the cost of a replacement key may be costly. You can find a local auto-locksmith who is familiar with the model you drive if you don't need to visit a dealership. They are more likely to be capable of offering a lower quote and be more reliable that dealers. Some even provide mobile services where they can come to your workplace or home to cut and program the keys for you.