The Cost of a Replacement Car Key

You could end up spending many dollars in the event of losing your car keys. Depending on the type of key, it could cost up to $800!

Some insurance companies offer it as a bumper to bumper coverage or as an add-on. To get an accurate estimate, you must contact the dealership or auto locksmith.

What is the make and model of your vehicle?

The year and make of your vehicle will play a major role in determining the amount you'll spend for a new car key cost car key. Certain models with push-to-start features require remote transmitters, or key fobs. These will need to be paired with a locksmith or dealership. Keys for these can cost up to $200 for a single original car key, and include cutting and programming services.

Older cars with mechanical keys that are basic are less expensive because they don't require high-tech transponders or chips. You can usually find a mechanical key replacement at any hardware store for $10.

In some instances, your insurance will pay for an additional key in the event that it was stolen due to an emergency, like being locked out or being burned in a house fire. However it's not a guarantee and you should check your policy's terms and conditions for specifics.

Certain locksmiths will charge a higher fee if they have to drive farther out of their usual service area or if they need to pay for towing to the dealer. The locksmith will also be asked to provide proof of ownership, such as the registration, title, or purchase documentation. Avoid breaking windows or using wires to open vehicles. These actions can raise alarms for locksmiths and they might not perform any work on your car in the event that they suspect you've done something wrong with it.

The Keys

Many people don't realize that obtaining a car key replacement can be costly. This is primarily because modern keys come with security features that make them costly and difficult to duplicate. Some of these features include transponders, proximity keys and keyless entry remotes. These technologies are designed for theft prevention by preventing vehicles from starting when the wrong key is used. They need to be programmed to match the specifics of your vehicle. This can be a significant expense, particularly if your vehicle is a high-end model.

Mechanical keys from the past are cheap to replace car key cost, Cost of a Replacement Car Key and cost less than $50. A lot of modern cars have keys that are more sophisticated. Keys with transponders are fitted inside the key head that sends a message to the car's computer in order to confirm that it is the correct key and allows you to open the doors. The cost of a replacement car key can range between $50 and $150 in additional costs for a replacement.

Furthermore, a few of these keys are laser-cut and can only be duplicated using a special machine. These kinds of keys are expensive because they require a certain level of expertise to make and can't be replicated using a simple tool. In addition, key/remote combination keys are the most expensive replacements because they combine the remote and the mechanical key into one device.

The Locks

Modern cars come equipped with many key fobs. They are more than just a way to unlock and start your vehicle. They also provide convenience and are a deterrent to theft. They can also be costly.

Locksmiths can easily duplicate keys made of metal. They can cost as little as $10. Keys that are more expensive such as those used for older GM vehicles or a laser cut key with no grooves inside the shank require specialized equipment that only a handful of locksmiths possess and that a majority of car dealers do not. These can cost replacement car key as much as $150 or more, depending on the key type and whether it must be programmed.

Transponder keys became popular during the 1990s. They are much more difficult to duplicate and much more difficult to take. These types of keys have a chip built into the key's head that talks to your car's onboard computer to confirm that it's the right key. The car won't start without the chip, even it's a perfect key.

Other keys, like switchblade keys (with shanks that fold in the fob when they are not being used and pop out at the touch of a button) or proximity keys, as well as remote key/fob combos, can be laser-cut and etched, so they look different than traditional keys but are still easy for a locksmith to duplicate. These keys are more expensive than standard keys because they must be etched, laser cut and then programmed.

The Labor

Not long ago losing a car keys was not a major issue. A key replacement car key cost could be found at a hardware store for around $10, or you could call roadside assistance and have your car towed to the dealership. As cars have evolved technologically, their keys have also become more expensive.

The majority of modern vehicles have a transponder-chip type or remote transmitter key. To ensure that these keys function with your vehicle, they have to be programmed. The cost of programming varies between $75 and $200 depending on the car's year model, make, and year.

Older vehicles use mechanical keys that don't come with chip. They can be duplicated at a locksmith for around $5 to $15. It's always a good idea to keep a spare key handy in your pocket in case you need it.

For vehicles with more modern technology the transponder-chip key is more common and requires a more expensive set of tools to cut and program. These kinds of keys are typically more expensive than traditional keys and can be exchanged at a cost of up to $400. Getting one of these keys replaced can require an excursion to the dealer which can increase the cost if the dealer doesn't have that key in inventory. You'll need to wait a couple of additional days before you receive your car keys.