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How Much Does a Replacement Key For Car Cost? In the past, losing a car key was only a minor inconvenience. A mistake today could cost you a significant amount of money. The cost of replacing a key for your vehicle is determined by the year, make and model. The most straightforward key to replace is a basic metal key, which can be recut easily by an automotive locksmith. Basic Key Fob A key fob is a little piece of plastic that has the ability to do a number of things. It can unlock your car and turn on the lights or act as a security feature to guard against theft. A replacement fob is available at a local hardware store for less than $10. However, it may cost more money to buy an additional fob for an advanced vehicle. You may have to program your key fob in a different way depending on the type. Some key fobs may require specialized computer software that's only available through dealers. Call your dealer and give them the VIN number of the vehicle so that they can create the correct key. They will need evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration documents, as well as purchase documents. A locksmith may be able to make a key with no requirement of having your old one. This could save you money. They will still charge you for the service. If you've lost your keys in an a remote location, the cost will be more since they'll have to travel further. You could save a few bucks by purchasing an aftermarket key fob online and having it programmable by your local locksmith or mechanic. But, you'll have to know your car's model and make, and some basic knowledge of how key fobs operate to do this. Certain key fobs, for instance those from Audi and Subaru are not compatible with aftermarket versions. Another alternative is to purchase the Faraday Key Fob Pouch, which will protect your key fob from theft by blocking their signal. This will help you keep your keys safe from being lost or getting them stolen. This could cost more than the original fob. This gadget is essential for anyone who owns an advanced car or truck that comes with an advanced security system that is built into the key fob. It's a bit expensive at around $160, but it is far less expensive than replacing the keys to your car. Transponder Key If your car is equipped with transponder keys, it's going to be more expensive to replace than a standard key. These keys contain a chip which communicates with the vehicle to turn it off or lock the doors. The key needs to be programmed correctly to work. key replacements is typically cheaper to get a transponder keys replaced by an auto locksmith than it would be at the dealer. Dealerships also charge a fee to replace keys since they are the only ones to create them for their customers. You can save money by searching for locksmiths who specialize in your specific vehicle model. It is likely that they will be able to cut you a standard key and program the transponder chip inside your car. The chips were first introduced to cars in 1998. They are designed to help reduce car thefts by stopping people from hot wiring a vehicle that doesn't have the right key. They function by sending a signal from the key to the ignition that turns the car on. The chip has a digital serial number that authenticates the key to ensure its operation and assists in stopping thieves from copying and distributing fake keys. The majority of modern cars have a chip key and a traditional flat metal key that opens the door and operate the locks when needed. Most of the time these keys are kept separately and can be used as a backup or in case of emergency. A blank non-transponder car key can be purchased at an area hardware store such as Home Depot, Walmart or Lowe's for a relatively low cost. These keys won't start your car however, they can be used to open your doors if you're locked out. Some of these keys can be used in conjunction with certain car immobilizers which will stop your car from starting when the key is not compatible. The best way to get an alternative key for your vehicle is through an auto locksmith. You can find one online or contact an established local locksmith. Auto locksmiths are an excellent choice since they are usually 20% cheaper than dealerships for cars. They also offer emergency service in situations like being locked out of your car. Keyless Entry Remote With a key fob, you can lock and start your vehicle even if the metal key is not in the ignition. This key style is found typically in contemporary European automobiles and can cost anywhere between $200 and $500 for replacement. They use rolling-code encryption to stop thieves from copying them and taking the vehicle. The keys can only be exchanged by a dealer. They cannot be copied in hardware stores. A traditional key fob, that uses a simple push button to open doors, will usually cost between $20 and $50 to replace. They are frequent targets for thieves, which is why it's crucial to have an extra mechanical key. Newer transponder keys are slightly more expensive at between $100 and $150, however they offer additional security features that make them less likely to be stolen. The most advanced form of key fob is the smart key which is the size of a regular key and houses an aluminum key inside a plastic that is released when a button is pressed. This kind of key is the most difficult to steal and is often included with other features of premium quality like navigation systems in higher trim levels or technological packages. Smart keys are also typically more expensive, ranging between $250 and $500. Hardware stores can duplicate some of these keys, but others must be ordered from a dealer. In general, it is more expensive to purchase the replacement of a smart key because they require a sophisticated remote-entry process to be programmed to work with the vehicle. The cost of the key fob will differ depending on the manufacturer and the design. In most cases you'll be able to buy a replacement at your local auto parts store at lower cost than you would get at the dealership. You may have to pay an additional cost to program the new key fob into your car. This can be accomplished by a dealership's service department or by a locksmith. Car Key Replacement Losing your car's key is not an enjoyable experience. It not only prevents you from driving your vehicle, it also makes it difficult to move around if you're stuck. There are a few things you can do to make the process easier and more affordable. Find a local auto-locksmith who is specialized in replacing car keys. This is the simplest and cheapest solution. A professional locksmith can replace the old metal key fob within minutes. They can also make keys to replace older cars that have a traditional mechanical key with no chip. There are also discount replacement keys for cars on the internet. However, you will need to check your vehicle's specifications and make sure that it works with the model that you have. More advanced keys are difficult to duplicate, and require a specific key programming machine that only a few auto dealerships have. Some of these machines can be employed at home, but it is recommended to visit a specialist if you lose your car keys or need to create a spare. The cost of a transponder key could range from $125 up to $300. Some dealers will replace keys for free provided they have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title, or even an insurance card. This service is usually included in roadside assistance add-ons or a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to repair keys to cars, but they might not have the tools to program more recent ones. If you're able find the car key and a copy of it, a duplicate can be made for $10 or less at your local hardware store. The hardest to duplicate are the newer fob-style keys that unlock and open your doors with a button. Key fobs that have a tiny microchip in them that must be paired with your vehicle to unlock and start it. They can be reprogrammed at a dealership or by a locksmith, however, the price is higher.