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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? It's a pain and a cost to lose your car keys. The cost to replace them depends on the type of key you have and the location where it is made. Traditional keys can usually be copied by locksmiths for less than $10 however, many modern cars have transponder chips that must be programmed by the dealer. Laser cut keys and switchblade keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealership. Model and Make of Your Vehicle If you lose your car keys it can be a difficult and frustrating. If you have a spare car key and you are aware of the type of key you lost, it can be easier to duplicate. If you have an older mechanical key for instance, a locksmith could probably make a duplicate fairly quickly and easily. To copy more advanced keys, you'll require special knowledge. These keys must also be reprogrammed, so you'll need to visit your dealer to purchase a new one. The kind of key lost will also determine the amount it costs to replace it. The cost of replacing a traditional mechanical key that is put into the ignition cylinder is less than that of a key fob that has a transponder which must be programmed. It will also cost more to replace if it is equipped with a switchblade key or other features that are specialized. The cost of replacing your car keys may be affected by whether you replace it yourself or with the help an expert. Professionals usually charge more than DIY methods, but they can save you time and frustration. They'll also have the best knowledge of your specific model of vehicle. It's a good idea to replace the car key. It's a good idea to learn about the factors that determine how much it will cost so that you can plan accordingly. The best method to figure out how much your car key will cost is to locate an auto locksmith in your area. They can provide an estimate based upon the make and model of your car. They will have the equipment to complete the job. Another option is to call roadside assistance, but this can be more costly. It is important to note that your insurance company may include this service in your policy. However, it's not always an assurance that they will offer the services you require. Dealerships In the past the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car was not an issue. It was simple to get your vehicle towed by roadside assistance, pick up an alternative key and be back on road in no time. As cars advanced in technology, so have the keys. This means they are more expensive to replace. Avoiding the dealership is the best way to save on costs, unless you need an entirely new key remote, transponder or key fob. Instead, look for an independent locksmith or car key replacement shop that can provide OEM or third-party keys for much less cost. Many of these stores have an online search tool that will help you locate a nearby store. It's also worth searching for a place to cut and program standard keys, as these are usually cheaper than dealerships. The drawback is that they may not have the type of key you need in stock and might need to order it for you. If they have the key, you could expect to be charged between $200 and $350. Some dealers offer in-house service for replacing keys to cars and other lockout problems, but they're still more expensive than a locksmith or independent service. This is especially applicable to the most popular brands of car like Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Chrysler. Key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complex for these manufacturers. If you do end up at a dealership, make sure you inquire if there are any warranties that cover lockouts. If they do, then calling the dealership and mentioning the warranty could help reduce your bill. You might be able to get a mobile locksmith sent to your location. They will unlock the vehicle on the spot and create a new key. This is a great option if you can't afford to wait for days for the dealership to purchase your key and then install it. You can save up to half by hiring an independent locksmith instead of the service center of the dealership. key replacements for cars of your car keys is not just stressful, but can also be expensive. Independent locksmiths are the most economical option to replace keys that have been lost. They are less expensive than dealerships and do not have as much overhead costs. If you already have a working key the cost of the new key will differ. If you already have a key that you have, the cost will be much lower since it can be copied from that key without having to be programmed. Keys that were mechanical before the transponder can be copied for just $10. Modern electronic key fobs, on the other hand are more expensive to duplicate as they need to be programmed to work with your vehicle's system. Based on the car's make and model, this process can be as simple as typing the code, or as complicated as using a specific decryptor to reprogram the key to ensure proper operation. In the end, it is important to remember that the location of your vehicle could also impact the cost of getting the new 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 person nearby to help. This is because many people in this kind of situation depend on roadside assistance, but the cost of these services can be expensive and usually only cover part of the costs involved. One thing that could be useful to keep in mind when calculating the cost of replacing your keys is that a lot of locksmiths offer discounts on their services for first-time customers or those who recommend them to others. They do this as 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 spare you the hassle of having to replace the key that was lost, and it is less expensive than trying to replace it at the last minute. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key, contact your insurance provider and ask for more information. While they usually do not cover lost keys to cars however, some do as a premium add-on. Key Replacement There are many factors that can affect the cost of a new key for your car, regardless of whether you've lost your key or you need to replace it. The first thing to note down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) to help you determine where you need to go to get a new key. This number is located on the driver's dashboard or in the owner's manual. You may need go to a dealer to obtain a new keys when yours is equipped with an electronic transponder. These chips communicate with the vehicle to begin it, and therefore they need to be programmed in order to function. This is done using special machines that are generally only available at dealerships and can cost upwards of $200 for a replacement fob and key. If your car only has a traditional key without transponder chips, a locksmith should be able duplicate it at a lower cost. Depending on the type of key, it could be as little as $10 or up to $150 for an entire set of keys replacement. Some keys are more difficult to duplicate and are more expensive. A switchblade key, which folds up into fobs, is typically more expensive than other type of key, because it takes more work to create. Another option that is expensive is a smart lock, which uses a proximity sensor to unlock the car door. It is difficult to reprogram, and the price of a replacement key could be high. If you don't have the luxury of going to a dealership to purchase your new key, you can seek out an auto locksmith in your neighborhood who is specialized in the type of vehicle you use. They are more likely to be able give you a lower quote and be more reliable that dealerships. Some even offer mobile services that will come to your workplace or home to cut and program the keys for you.