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Why Cost Of A Replacement Car Key Will Be Your Next Big Obsession? The Cost of a Replacement Car Key It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It is important to keep in mind that a replacement key for your car may not cost as much as you think. The cost of buying a new car key is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of replacement key you need and your location. Traditional keys are the cheapest while the smart keys are more expensive. Cost of the parts The cost will differ based on the type of key that you need. Keys that are standard and do not have transponder chips can be copied for between $50 and $110. If you require the keyfob to be chipped or a push to start vehicle that requires a second fob, the cost will rise. The keys are costly to duplicate and replace, and they are also more difficult to steal. The cost will also be dependent on the year, make and type of car you own. The transponder chip on newer cars will need to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that a replacement key will need to be programmed to work with the vehicle which can cost up to $200. Other factors that impact the cost of replacement keys are: Auto locksmiths may be the most expensive however, they don't have the tools needed to deal with advanced key fobs or vehicles. You can attempt to duplicate a basic key by yourself at a hardware store however, the process can be time-consuming and can be difficult in the absence of the appropriate tools. You can also contact roadside assistance for a new key. However, they will tow your vehicle to a dealer, and the process may take several days. If you have an older key fob, it's best to buy laser-cut all-in-one keys and program them yourself. This is becoming more difficult as a lot of key fobs come with security features that stop theft. Many companies have software programs that can be used to create keys, however these are usually only available to customers who have service contracts or as a service offered by the dealership. Most locksmiths won't allow cars to be opened if they've been forced to open or altered. If you are able to use wire hangers or another method to open the vehicle, that will also set off red flags for insurance providers. Cost of Labor The type of car key you require will determine how much it will cost to replace. For less than $10, a standard double-edged key can be duplicated in an area hardware store. To program and create more sophisticated keys, you will need special equipment. This can significantly increase the total cost of replacing the car key. If your car has the key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll have to install a new fob in addition. The cost could range from $100 to $200, depending on the make and model. A lot of newer cars have a transponder in the key, which needs to be programmed and replaced in order to work correctly. This is a cost that is hard to estimate before the key is lost and has to be replaced. A cutting machine with specialized capabilities is also required to create the new key replacement. These are expensive and not easily accessible to people who do not have an auto repair shop. The key housing needs to be replaced, which may increase the cost of a replacement key. Depending on the car key type You may also have to purchase other replacement parts. For instance, some key fobs include features like remote lock/unlock and panic buttons which can increase the total cost. Furthermore, certain key fobs need a battery that can be costly to replace. It is recommended to make an additional key prior to the time you lose the original. This will ease the anxiety of losing your keys and also ensure that you have an extra. If you do need a new key, try to find a locksmith or a car dealer equipped to work with your car. This will be less expensive than buying a new key from the dealership and should allow you to avoid the high cost associated with those alternatives. If you have a key that requires programming, it's essential to have a record of the immobilizer code or the key number in case you need to be able to reprogramme it later. This information can be found on your registration or title, or on other documents. A locksmith or auto dealer may charge a fee to supply this information. Cost of Equipment Modern automobiles have key fobs that lock, unlock and start the vehicle with just one button. These devices are extremely convenient, however they can also be costly to replace if damaged or lost. However, locksmiths are able to save you money by replacing these kinds of keys without the added expense of replacing the device itself. There are many factors to take into account when determining the cost of the replacement of a car key. The Year, Make & Model of the vehicle There are numerous kinds of car keys, ranging from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These keys are very difficult to duplicate since they are so distinct. This is especially relevant for modern car keys that have transponders which need to be programmed to the vehicle. This can be accomplished by a professional, but will cost more than a regular key copy. The type of vehicle can affect the price. Older cars with basic keys cost less to replace. However, replacement keys for cars advanced cars require a special key that can cost as much as $500 to replace. The type of key and the location of the vehicle could affect the cost of a replacement key. If you lose your keys in an unfamiliar area, you could be charged a higher price to tow your car to the nearest dealership to have a new key programmed. This expense is avoided by keeping a spare key in a safe location like at home or at work. It is also important to understand that the majority of the time the new car key must be programmed at the dealer. This is due to the fact that the majority of dealers do not offer mobile key programming and only offer this service in their workshop. This could be a huge cost in the event of losing your car's only set of keys, so it is recommended to be proactive and keep a spare with you at all times. Cost of Key Replacement Based on the brand and model of your car You may need to purchase replacement keys from an auto locksmith. Check your vehicle's key to see if it has an electronic transponder or smart key chip. These technologies could increase the cost of your vehicle key replacement. A traditional car key without a key fob is relatively inexpensive and can usually be duplicated at the local hardware store for under $25. It is recommended to have an extra in the event that you lose your original. Most recent cars come with the key fob that emits an electrical signal to unlock and start your car. This could be a big issue to replace in the event that it is lost, since you'll have to contact your car manufacturer for a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The cost of a replacement key fob can range between $50 and $150. In certain instances, you can replace a keyfob at the dealership if you have evidence of ownership, such as a registration or title. However, the dealer could charge an additional cost to cover the cost of travel and time spent in remote locations. Alternatively, you can buy an aftermarket key online, or even directly from the vehicle manufacturer. This is less expensive, however it is more risky since the quality of the keys cannot be assured. You should never attempt to break into your own vehicle using wire hangers or force, because this could cause alarms and make it difficult for an expert locksmith to open the door of your car. This could also cause damage to the lock, which could lead to higher costs for repairs or replacements. If you are able to locate the car keys, it might be worth it to have them duplicated by an auto expert rather than the dealership. This can save you money, particularly when you have a spare car key at home.