Cost of Replacement Car Keys Losing your car keys is an immense trouble. The cost of replacing them is a major expense. The easiest and cheapest way to replace your car keys is to contact an auto locksmith. You can also get your key cloned at an expert dealer, however they'll charge you more. Year & Make a Vehicle It's been a long time since where a single lost car key wasn't such an issue. Nowadays, cars are more advanced, and that means keys are more expensive to replace. Losing your smart key could cost you as much as $350. Modern cars use electronic fobs and keys to open doors and start engines. Keys and fobs are electronic devices that have circuitry, a battery and transponder chips all connected to the vehicle you have chosen. This is a complicated process that requires special tools and training to master. There are a variety of ways to save money on replacement car keys. Comparing key prices and features can help you to get an idea of how much you'll spend on new keys. The year and the make of your car will have a significant impact on the price of the new keys you purchase. Many newer vehicles have high-tech transponder chips that need to be paired with the car by a dealer or auto locksmith, which is an expensive and time-consuming process. Older cars and keys without transponder chips will be more affordable to replace. In addition you could save money on car keys replacement by using a third-party provider or buying your new key online. Consider buying an portable GPS like Tile or AirTag to help you locate your car keys in the event they get lost. These devices attach to your keys and are simple to use with a smartphone app. Be aware that the loss or misplacement of your car keys could be costly. It is recommended to always carry a spare. If you don't have a spare, it's worth checking with your dealership to find out if they offer a free key replacement program as part of the warranty for your vehicle, roadside assistance extra add-ons or a longer bumper-to-bumper coverage. These programs will provide up to $400 in cost of replacement keys for your car each year and are worth it for the peace of mind they provide. Technology Type Although keys to cars and remote controls may appear to be simple metal objects, they're actually tiny electronic devices. In this way they have more to them than meets the eye -- which is why they're expensive to replace. The type of key you have can affect how much it will cost you to purchase the replacement. Key fobs with standard locks are inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as robust as the modern ones that come with an additional layer of security. They come with a specific key head that has a small chip in it that communicates with the car's computer system to ensure the authenticity of the key. Without the chip, a duplicate key won't work, even if the ridges and grooves are identical to the original. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they require two steps the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle. In some instances the locksmith might need to remove the transponder from its socket to program it properly. This is a dangerous job that should be performed only by a locksmith with specialized training. The process can be very lengthy and costly if they have to replace any other parts including the housing that holds the chip. For the most current model automobiles, you'll need bring your vehicle to a dealership to have a new key programed to your vehicle. This will require you to present proof of ownership, like your registration or title papers. Also, you'll need to wait for the dealer to make an order and match a new key to your existing key. Genesky says he is able to do the key programming and cut keys for customers with older European vehicles in his shop for about $200-$250. However, he has to turn away clients with the latest model cars because he doesn't have the expensive equipment to program keys for them. This is why it's important to locate a local locksmith or dealer that can provide many services and can accommodate any type of vehicle. Ultimately, this will save you money in the long run when it comes to repairing and replacing lost or stolen car keys. Where You Live The location of your home can impact the price that a locksmith or auto dealer charges to replace keys. If you reside in a large city the costs are likely to be higher than if you live in a small town or rural area. This is because a service provider will travel further to reach you, which means more expensive cost. Another aspect that could affect the cost of car key replacement is the time and place you lose your keys. The cost of a replacement key will be higher if lose them on the weekend or during the night. There may be a charge for the inconvenience of having to wait longer for a technician. The type of key you have can also affect the cost. Certain cars only have basic mechanical keys or standard keys whereas others have transponder chips, key fobs, or smart keys. Those keys that are more technologically advanced will cost more to replace. Certain of these keys require programming by an auto locksmith or dealership. This could take an hour or more of time and is another reason the cost will be higher than for a basic key. People who own older cars with standard keys that don't contain transponder chips typically pay less for a new key. Key cutting is a standard procedure that typically requires reading the cut marks on the ignition or the VIN number to determine which key is right for the car. Many of these keys require pairing with the computer of the vehicle to unlock the door and start the engine. It is possible to contact the dealership from which you bought your vehicle if you are in a position to locate your keys. However, this is not always the case. If your insurance policy is in place, it may be possible to make a claim to pay for a replacement key or key fob. Assistance companies for roadside emergencies like AAA could also be able to help however, they'll likely provide a basic key and not the advanced technology. Security Features Losing your car keys can be a huge hassle however it can also be an opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle. This is a danger that all drivers are required to take. It's important to budget for the cost of a new car key. The cost of replacing keys is influenced by a variety of factors. The cost of replacement keys is determined by a variety of factors, including the year and model of your car, the technology used in the key, as well as the security features. You should also consider whether you would like to utilize an emergency roadside service, like AAA. This can add to the cost of replacing the key you lost. It is much less expensive to replace the traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. https://output.jsbin.com/tocevuderi/ can usually be copied at a hardware store for less than $10. However, a newer smart key has to be linked with your vehicle and then programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This could cost as much as $200 or more. Many cars are now equipped with keys that use radio frequency identification to communicate with your vehicle's computer. They are more difficult to copy and are made to guard against theft. The cost to replace these types of keys can be up to $500 or more. You could also decide to add a tracker to your keychain to help locate it should you lose it. These small devices can be purchased at most hardware stores and used with an app to track your lost key. They can add to the cost of replacing e-keys however they are a cost-effective and effective option for most people. In the past when you lost your keys to your car was an enormous issue and could have pushed you out of pocket for some time. Nowadays, however of us are more technologically advanced than our grandparents did in their time, and losing your keys can be an issue, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune to return to driving.