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How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost Cost? Losing your car keys can be costly and frustrating. The cost of replacing them depends on where and what type of key you've 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. Laser cut keys and key blades are more expensive and require an appointment with a dealer. Make and Model of Your Vehicle Losing your car keys can be frustrating and stressful. However, if you own an additional key and are aware of the kind of car key you lost, the process may be a bit more straightforward. A locksmith can make duplicates of an older mechanical key quite quickly and easily, for example. However, more advanced kinds of keys require special knowledge to be copied. They also have to be reprogrammed, so you'll need to visit your dealer to get a replacement. The type of key lost will also determine the cost to replace it. For example, traditional mechanical keys that simply insert into the ignition cylinder will cost less to replace than a key fob, which has a special transponder that needs to be programmed. It will cost more to replace the key fob if it is equipped with a switchblade, or other specific features. If you decide to replace your key with the assistance of an expert or do it yourself could have an impact on your car key replacement costs as well. Professionals charge more than DIY methods, but will save you time and frustration. They also have the most experience regarding your specific vehicle. It's a good idea to replace keys to your car. It's recommended to be aware of the factors that determine how much it will cost so that you can plan according to your budget. Find a local auto locksmith to receive an estimate of the cost of your car key. They can provide you with an estimate based upon the make and model of your car. They will have the equipment to complete the job. Roadside assistance is another option, but it can be costly. It's important to note that your insurance company might offer this service as part of your policy. It's not a guarantee however, that they'll offer the services you require. Dealerships A few years ago the loss or misplacement of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could call roadside assistance to have your car taken to the dealer, pick up a new key and get back on the road in no time. As cars become more technologically advanced as well, so do their keys, making them more expensive to replace. The best way to save money is to avoid going to the dealership, except if you require a replacement key fob, key remote, or transponder chip keys. Look for an independent car key replacement shop or locksmith which offers OEM keys or 3rd-party ones for a fraction of the price. Many of these shops offer an online search tool that can help you locate a store near you. It's also worth looking for a location to cut and program standard keys, as these are usually cheaper than dealerships. They might not have your type of key on hand, and will need to purchase it. If they do have the key you need expect to be paying between $220 and $350 for the replacement and programming. Some dealers offer in-house services for replacing car keys and other lockout issues, however they're still more expensive than a locksmith or independent service. This is especially applicable to the most popular automobile brands like Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Chrysler. Key fobs and chip replacements are more expensive and complicated for these brands. If you arrive at the dealer, make sure to look for warranties that cover lockouts. If so, calling the dealership to mention the warranty may help you save money. They might even be capable of sending an emergency locksmith to your location to unlock the vehicle and create a new key on the spot. This is an excellent option for those who don't have the patience to wait for your dealership to set up and make your key. Additionally, you may be saving up to 50% by visiting an independent locksmith instead of the dealership's service center. Independent Locksmiths Apart from being extremely stressful the loss of your car keys could be costly. Independent locksmiths are the most cost-effective option to replace keys that have been lost. They are cheaper than dealerships and do not have the same overhead costs. If you already have a working key the cost of a new key will vary. If you do, 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. Mechanical keys that are older and without a transponder can be copied for just $10. Modern electronic keys, however, are more expensive to duplicate as they require programming to be compatible with your vehicle's system. Based on the model and make the process could be as easy as entering the code or as intricate as using a special decryptor to modify the key to ensure proper operation. In the end, it is important to remember that the location of your car could also impact the cost of getting a new key. If you're stranded in the middle, it can be more costly to replace your car's key because there's no one in the vicinity to help. The majority of people in this scenario rely on roadside help however, it can be expensive and only cover a portion of the cost. When making a decision on the cost of a replacement key, it is important to remember that many independent locksmiths offer discounts to customers who are first time clients or those who recommend their services to others. They do this to encourage their business to expand 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 save you the burden of replacing the key that was lost, and it will be cheaper than trying to do so in the last minute. If you're concerned about the cost to replace your car keys, contact your insurance company and ask for more information. Although they typically do not cover lost keys to cars however, some provide it as a premium extra. Replacement Keys If you've lost your key or you simply want to replace an older key there are a lot of factors that could be factored into the cost of purchasing an entirely new car key. The first thing to do is write down the VIN number of your car (vehicle identification number), as this will help you determine where you'll need to go in order to get a new 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 replacement car fob key G28 Car Keys , make and model of your car depending on the year, make and model of your car, you may need to go to a dealership to purchase an additional key, particularly if it contains an electronic transponder chip. These chips must be programmed to work by communicating with the vehicle in order to begin it. This is done using special machines that are usually only available through the dealership and can cost upwards of $200 for a new key and fob. 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. Depending on the type of key, this can be as low as $10 or even $150 for a whole set of replacement keys. Certain keys are more difficult to duplicate and therefore more expensive. If you own a switchblade key that folds into the fob, it is usually more expensive than other key types as it requires more effort to create. Smart keys, which use proximity sensors to unlock the car door, are a different costly alternative. It can be difficult to reprogram and usually will cost the most for an alternative key. If you don't have the luxury of going to a dealership for your new key, you can try to find an auto locksmith in your area who is knowledgeable about the brand of vehicle you use. They are more likely to be able give you a lower estimate and are more reliable than dealerships. Some even offer mobile service where they can come to your home or workplace to cut and program keys for you.