How Much Does a Car Key Cost to Replace?

Losing your car keys can be a traumatic experience. In the event of being stranded, without a spare means a trip to the locksmith and possibly a costly repair bill.

Fortunately, the majority of insurance companies will pay for the cost of a replacement car key costs key in the event you lose your key. The cost will differ depending on the type of key you require and where you get it.

Basic Keys

The type of key you own will determine the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys to duplicate are the older basic keys that have no additional features. The cost of the latest transponder chips and remote components will increase.

The cost of a standard key will differ depending the location you go to get it copied. Hardware stores that aren't specialized in duplicating car keys tend to charge the most and yet they will have the widest range of blanks. Most locksmiths will also have a wide selection of blanks that are priced competitively.

Some hardware stores also provide an affordable kit for consumers called the Simple Key, which includes a transponder key that is not cut and an EZ Installer. This lets you cut the key and program it at home, thus saving you money on the cost of hardware store duplicates and dealer pairing charges. The Easy Installer connects to your vehicle's diagnostic port and pair your new key in a matter of minutes.

Transponder Keys

A transponder key has an embedded microchip that gets fitted to an electrical coil that is positioned around the barrel that is used for ignition. When the key is inserted into the lock or turned to start the car, the microchip broadcasts an electronic signal that has the digital identity that is identical to the one stored in the car's computer. Transponder keys are difficult to duplicate, but they are not impossible. Experienced criminals have found ways to hack into cars using transponder key.

The cost of a new transponder is contingent on the make and model, and the place you go to have it made. If you buy a new key from a dealer it will cost the highest due to their overheads. Locksmiths usually offer lower rates. They also have special tools that allow you to program keys without the need of an agent.

Key Fobs

Modern cars come with key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and also start the car. If your key fob is lost it can be costly to replace car key cost.

in my area the 1990s, it was easy to locate an alternative key for a car at a hardware store or a locksmith, or an auto dealer. But as technology improved so did the price.

Genesky estimates that a basic transponder key laser-cut is priced between $150 and $250, if you want him to program and cut it for you. This includes the new key and the key cylinder it fits into and programming the chip within the keys.

Switchblade keys -- which have shanks that fold down into the fob when not in use -they are more expensive than basic keys. Replacing a key fob made of switchblade and its key cylinder is priced between $200 and $300. It's also more difficult to program a new key for one of these than it is for a conventional key or key fob.

Switchblade Keys

Modern cars have key fobs that allow drivers unlock their car doors or trunk, as well as utilize the remote start feature. Some key fobs come with an auxiliary switchblade that can be folded into the fob to function as a switchblade even when not in use. A key fob that features an a key for a switchblade is usually priced at $300.

These keys contain a transponder that communicates with the car key replacement cost when the key is put in the ignition. Transponder keys have been used since 1995 and in my area are more secure than traditional metal car keys. The cost of a new transponder key can range from $40 to over $100, depending on if it's duplicated by the dealership or by an expert.

The "rolling code transponder key" was introduced in 1999. It transmits a unique code every time the replacement car keys cost near me is started, making it more difficult to hack or steal. Replacing these keys is expensive because they require a visit to a dealer to program them.

Smart Keys Keys

These key fobs allow drivers to unlock their doors without removing them from their pockets. They also provide convenience features such as the ability to store the vehicle's settings for each driver as well as open the sunroof and windows remotely, and so on.

Transponder keys are different from standard keys in that they require a special machine for cutting them. They also have an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle system. The addition of this technology increases the cost of the key.

Smart keys are the most expensive kind of key to replace and requires a dealership. They are expensive to replace car keys cost because they have sophisticated security features that are difficult to duplicate. Additionally the key needs to be programmed to match the specifications of your vehicle. This could cost you more than $1,000.

Dealerships

The cost of replacing a car remote or key fob is usually determined by year, model and model. Many newer cars come with transponder chips that are highly-technical and need to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer. If the key isn't linked correctly and the engine isn't starting, it won't.

These keys are expensive because they have security codes that must be programmed into the vehicle. Locksmiths are usually more affordable than car dealers for the production of these keys.

Locksmiths compete with dealers and mechanics for business, so they try to keep prices low in order to attract customers. This is why it's generally 2X-10X cheaper to visit a locksmith if you lose all your car keys instead of contacting the dealer or mechanic. The dealer may also require the vehicle to be towable towards them, while locksmiths can visit you directly.