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Cost of Replacement Car Keys It's a big problem to lose your car keys. Even worse, the cost of replacing them can be a significant expense. Contacting an auto locksmith is the cheapest and most efficient method to replace your car key. You can also request your keys copied at a specialist dealer, but they'll charge more. Year & Make a Car The days of having a lost car key was not an problem are long gone. Keys for modern cars which are more sophisticated, are more expensive to purchase. In fact, if you lose your fob or smart key, it could cost up to $350. Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. The keys and fobs are miniature electronic devices that have circuitry, batteries and transponder chip that are all connected to your vehicle's specific model. This is a difficult process that requires specialized tools and training. There are ways to save on replacement keys for your car. Comparing the prices of keys and features can help you to get a better idea of how much you'll have to pay for new keys. The year and make of your car will have a major effect on the price of the new keys you purchase. A lot of newer cars have high-tech transponder chips that have to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure. Older cars and keys that do not have transponder chips are more affordable to replace. Additionally, you can often save money on replacement car keys by using a third-party provider or purchasing a new key on the internet. Consider purchasing an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in case they are lost. These devices can be attached to your keys and are simple to use with an app for smartphones. Be aware that the loss or misplacement of keys to your car could cost you money. It is best to always carry an extra. If you don't have a spare key, check with your dealer whether they offer a free replacement program. It could be a included in the warranty of your vehicle, or as an extra roadside assistance option. These programs will cover replacement car key costs of up to $400 per year. They're well worth the peace of mind they offer. Technology Type While car keys and remote fobs may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. They're more complex than they appear. This means they're costly to replace. The type of key you're using can affect how much it will cost to purchase the replacement. Key fobs that are standard can be duplicated relatively cheaply, but are not as durable as newer models with an extra layer of security. These keys come with a specific head that has a chip that communicates to the computer in the car. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work even when the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. They are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they require two steps: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle. In certain situations a locksmith may need to take apart the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a hazardous task that should only be done by a locksmith who is trained. The process can be long and costly when they need to replace any other parts such as the housing that holds the chip. You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer to have a key programmed. You'll need evidence of ownership, such as your registration documents or title documents. You'll also have to wait for the dealer to order and pair a new key with the key you have already. Genesky says that he's able to do the key programming and cut for customers with older European vehicles at his shop for between $200 and $250. Genesky has to refuse customers who have the latest models of cars because there isn't the equipment that is expensive to program their keys. It is essential to select a local dealership or locksmith who can deal with any kind of vehicle and provides a variety of services. This will ultimately save you money in the long run in the process of repairing and replacing your keys to your car that have been stolen or lost. Where You Live The location you live in can affect the amount a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. If you live in a large city it is likely to be higher than if you lived in a small town or rural area. This is because the service provider has to travel farther to get to your location, which means higher prices. Another factor that can affect the cost of replacing car keys is the time and place you lose your keys. The cost of replacing a key is higher if you lose them during a holiday, or at night. You may also be charged for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician to arrive. The type of key you have will also influence the cost. Some cars have only basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others include transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. The cost of replacing keys with higher-tech keys will be more expensive. Some of these high-tech keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. This can take an hour or more and is a reason why the price will be more expensive than a basic key. People who own older cars with standard keys that do not have transponder chips will typically pay less for a new key. Standard key cutting typically requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is appropriate for the vehicle. Many of these keys require that they are paired with the vehicle's computer to unlock the door and start the engine. If you lost your keys and are unable locate them, contact the dealership you bought the car but that's not always an option. You may be able make an insurance claim for a replacement fob or key, depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA may be able to assist you with this however they'll likely only offer a basic key and not the more sophisticated technology. Security Features Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience however, it also presents an opportunity for someone else to steal your vehicle. This is a risk all drivers must face. It's crucial to budget for the cost of a new car key. There are a variety of factors that impact the price of replacement keys. The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of aspects, including the year and model of your car and the technology utilized in the key, and the security features. It's also important to decide whether you want to use an emergency roadside assistance program like AAA which could increase the cost of replacing keys that have been lost. It is much less expensive to replace traditional metal car keys without a transponder. They can be duplicated in a hardware store for less than $10. On car key remote control replacement must be connected with your vehicle and programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more. Many cars now come with key fobs that use radio frequency identification to connect with the computer in your car. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and are designed to prevent theft. The cost of replacing keys like these can be up to $500 or more. You could also decide to add a tracker to your keychain to assist you to locate it in the event that you lose it. These are typically small devices that are available from a variety of hardware stores and can be used in conjunction with an app to monitor the location of your lost key. They can add to the cost of replacing electronic keys, however, they are a reasonable and efficient option for the majority of people. In the past, losing your car keys could have been a major inconvenience and could have cost you money for a few days. Nowadays, we have more technology than in the past, and so losing your keys is a hassle. However, it doesn't have to be expensive to get back on the road.