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Factors That Influence the Cost For Replacement Car Key If you lose your car keys, it could be a stressful experience. The cost of a replacement key could differ, based on the kind of vehicle and the type of key. Find out what type of key your car has. Certain cars are equipped with advanced keys which are only replaceable at a dealership. The make and model of your vehicle The days when you could walk into an hardware store and purchase duplicate keys for your car made for pennies are long gone. Today's key fobs are miniature electronic devices with everything from an RF transmitter and battery, to printed circuit boards and transponder chips specifically designed for key fobs. They are more secure than traditional keys, and more expensive to replace in the event of loss or breakage. The model and make of your car will ultimately determine how much you'll pay for a replacement car key. In general, the older key, the more affordable it will cost. Older keys are simple metal keys that operate by turning the ignition cylinder. They don't require special equipment. They can be repaired by a standard automotive locksmith for a reasonable price however, they can be purchased from a car parts store or dealership. Newer cars are built with the latest technology and safety features like a smart key that unlocks and locks your doors from a distance, as well as a proximity sensor that starts your engine. These can only be programmed using special equipment and are best suited to a professional who has access to this type of device that is usually only available at the dealership. Laser-cut keys require specialized machinery to make a spare. They are more robust than conventional keys and have deep grooves and ridges for greater security and durability. car key replacements by laser may cost a bit more than an ordinary key. However when the key comes with transponders, it may be a lot more. You can expect to pay between $100 and 850 dollars to purchase an entirely new car key dependent on the model and make of your vehicle. This does not include fees, taxes or charges associated with the purchase. Auto locksmiths are the best option to purchase the new key. They have competitive rates and will usually be in a position to supply you with a key within a short time. You may also seek the assistance of roadside assistance companies, though they are often more expensive and not as reliable. The kind of key Most people aren't aware that car key duplication costs can vary based on the type of key you have. A classic double-edged car keys can be repaired at your local hardware shop for less than $10. However, modern key fobs need to be programmed by professionals to ensure that they can be used with your vehicle. It is essential to select an locksmith that provides mobile service and has the tools and software necessary to create a new car key on the instantaneously. In older vehicles, you can usually get an additional key replacement at the dealership or at an auto parts store. However, more recent models have transponder keys that must be programmed to work. These are more expensive to duplicate and they require a special machine that is normally only available at the dealer. This makes them the most costly type of car key replacement. Laser-cut keys are more difficult to duplicate and often cost more. They require a specific machine that is only available at dealerships to make the distinct cuts in the blank keys. They can add $50 or more to the price of the new key. Switchblade keys can be expensive and difficult to duplicate. These are the keys that you've seen your friends playing with. They fold into their keyfobs. They can be exchanged for $150 or more by a locksmith but are much harder to take. Smart keys are the most expensive car keys. They use radio frequency to communicate with your vehicle computer. They are the most secure and high-tech keys, but they're also the most expensive to replace. They can cost as high as 600 dollars. It's best to consult your dealership, locksmith or mechanic about the different kinds of car keys and the cost to replicate or program them. The location of your car The days where you could go to a hardware store and get an identical car key for less than $10 are long gone. Now, it can cost up to $160 or more to replace a lost keydepending on the kind of key you require. Here are a few factors that impact the cost of replacing keys: The make and model of your vehicle will have the primary factors that determine the cost of replacing a car key. The cost of duplicating or repairing a key for the latest model of vehicle may be higher than an older model. This is due to the fact that they are equipped with more advanced technology. Also, some cars require special equipment to cut the key blades and this could add to the overall cost of replacement. The majority of cars have a remote key fob, which is an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your car from an extended distance. It is useful in bad weather and unsafe areas, but is prone to theft or damage. The key fob can be reprogrammed by an automotive locksmith or your local dealer in cars. A key fob may also be paired with your smartphone so that you can start your car with your smartwatch or any other device. These key fobs can be the most expensive, since they require software codes which are only available from the manufacturer. The area of your home could influence the cost of an alternative key. Prices can be higher in big cities or rural areas, as well as for different types of locks. This is due to the fact that certain locks are more difficult to open or cut, requiring more expertise and training. If you have a standard metal car key with chip, a locksmith or your dealer should be able to duplicate it for a reasonable cost. If you have an electronic key fob that is more advanced, you'll need to take it to the dealer to replace it. The majority of dealerships charge a fee however their services are usually more reliable and could save you time and money. The cost of a key fob for a car can be covered under an auto insurance policy. However, it is important to read the terms before filing an insurance claim. The locksmith or towtruck It's not the most pleasant experience to replace a car key, but if you know what you are doing it can be made much simpler. You'll need to know what kind of key you have, the locksmith or tow truck that will perform the service, and also how much it will cost. Check to see if you are covered by your car insurance or warranty. A traditional double-edged lock can be replaced for about $10 at an hardware store. You can even get a copy made at home in the event that you lose the original key. If you own an advanced key, like transponder or key fob, you will need to speak with a professional automotive locksmith. They'll require the model and year of your vehicle as well as evidence of ownership (like the title or registration) and an extra key. If you have an ignition key fob with a switchblade, it may need special programming. Only a dealer is able to do this. If you own laser cut keys or one that has an embedded transponder chip, it'll need to be programmed to the vehicle. This will cost between $150 and $225. Getting it done at the dealership is somewhat more expensive but it will spare you the frustration of waiting for an outside company to get the job done. You could damage the lock when trying to remove a damaged key or a jammed one. This will make the job even more difficult. If you have a spare key, it is recommended to contact an expert as they'll be familiar with the type of lock and have contingencies for any problems that might occur. If you lose your keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). The VIN can be found in a variety of places in the driver's side dashboard of your car, beneath the hood of your engine and in the door jamb or in the trunk of the vehicle. You can also find the VIN on the paper that came with your car or in your insurance policy.