How to Avoid Expensive Replacement Car Key Costs

Misplacing, or even losing, your car keys isn't an enjoyable experience. And, unfortunately, replacing them can be quite costly as well.

The cost of a replacement key could vary greatly depending on the type of key, how it's replaced and the location you'll get it completed. Below are some of the major factors that affect the cost of a replacement car key.

Make and Model of Your Vehicle

A few years ago, misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could go to your local locksmith or hardware store and get a simple metal key replacement for a few pennies. Nowadays, cars are much more technologically advanced, and so are their keys. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to steal your car however, it also means that replacing a stolen or lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.

The model and make of your car is among the most important factors that determine the cost of a new replacement key. Certain manufacturers make more complicated high-tech keys than other. This means they'll be more difficult to duplicate or create a new key. Furthermore, certain key fob functions aren't available at all locksmiths or auto shops, which means you'll have to go to the dealer for these services.

There are many different types of keys and each has its own set of expenses. Some cars have a switchblade that folds into a fob, similar in design to a house key. The keys can cost upwards of $125, whereas basic chips are typically smaller.

The security of the keys also has a significant impact on the cost. A majority of modern car keys come with anti-theft devices that stop them from being copied by thieves. These features include remote control, microchip inside the key, and a secure code to stop it from being scanned.

Smart keys that can open doors and start engines are the most secure. Some locksmiths and auto shops can clone these keys, however dealerships demand to have your original key in order to join it with your vehicle. This can be costly, but it's a good method to ensure that your car won’t be stolen.

The Location

The replacement of a car key not an enjoyable experience. It can be a hassle and can be expensive. However, you can save a lot of the costs by knowing how much it will cost before you go to the shop or contact assistance at the roadside. You can also get the most accurate estimate if you know what kind of car key you require and how old it is and the price you're willing to pay for it.

The place you live is a major factor in the cost of your car key replacement. If you live in a rural area, for example there might be fewer locksmiths available from and the prices will be higher as a result. If you live in a city, you'll have several locksmiths to choose from and you can find a good deal on a car key replacement.

Consider the time of year that you are replacing your keys. Prices tend to be higher in summer due to the high demand. If you can wait to have your transponder keys or the basic ones replaced until the off-season you'll probably save a substantial amount of money.

The keys for cars have changed with the car technology. They're no longer simple metal pieces; they're electronic miniaturized devices that are equipped with batteries and circuitry that are capable of doing many things. Car keys that contain a chip inside can cost between $220 and $350 to replace, depending on the kind of key you own and the total cost of cutting keys, the costs related to a locksmith's visit or towing, and the programming cost.

It's also worth mentioning that there are less expensive car keys you can buy on the internet or at certain hardware stores, but they may not function or be compatible with your vehicle. Call us now if you're looking to replace your car keys quicker and cheaper than through a dealership. We'll be more than happy to help! Our locksmiths are well-trained and knowledgeable. We use the most advanced technology to provide professional and fast service.

The Key's Model and Make

In contrast to the days when you could walk into the hardware store and get a duplicate key made for pennies, most modern cars use electronic components in their keys that accomplish everything from opening the doors to disable the immobilizer. If you lose your car replacement keys key, or want to make an additional set, the process could be quite costly.

Luckily, there are ways to reduce some of the expenses when you need new car keys. The first step is to understand the various types of keys and their costs. The next step is to know what factors could increase the cost of getting an alternative key.

The type and model of your vehicle will have a significant effect on the cost of the new key. Each manufacturer has their unique key design. A majority of them come with advanced security features. The more sophisticated the key more expensive you can expect to pay.

Some of the latest models come with remote transmitters, also referred to as key fobs, that require a code to connect them to the car. It can be costly to replace this kind of key, particularly when it's done by an auto locksmith or dealer.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost of replicating it. If you own a traditional metal key it will be much cheaper to make a duplicate than if you have an all-in-one laser-cut key. A key that is laser-cut has circuitry inside of it that must be programmed to work with your car keys replacement cost therefore the cost of the replacement key will differ depending on what type you have.

Finally, you should think about whether or not you have any insurance to cover the loss or damage of your keys. Certain insurance companies offer a program to cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged keys to cars with a certain amount of. This is a great solution if you have children at home, or if your car was stolen.

Security Features

When it is about automobiles there are plenty of things that can go wrong. That's why it's essential to have a solid car key replacement program in place before anything happens. A comprehensive key replacement program can cover a number of different keys and fobs, so you don't need to worry about the cost.

One of the most significant factors that affect replacement car key costs is the kind of car you have. Keys for vehicles that are newer will be more expensive due to the advancement of the advanced technology. Certain vehicles with push-to-start include key fobs that need to be paired up via a computer. This can be a time-consuming expensive procedure that requires a specialist.

Other models of modern cars come with security features that can make keys more difficult to take. For instance, some models have key fobs that secure the doors of the car if altered or have mirror folding capabilities. These key fobs require a more sophisticated programming procedure that only a dealer is able to accomplish and are typically more expensive to replace than traditional metal keys.

Additionally, some of the latest vehicles have key fobs with anti-theft devices that disable the engine if the key is stolen or cut off in the ignition. They are also more expensive to replace because they need to be linked to the cheapest car key replacement using special computer program that only the dealer has access to.

Some keys are now made in a switchblade design that is encased in plastic. They cost more because they require a specific cutting tool. In some cases, these can be replaced onsite by an locksmith for automotive if you provide the model and year and proof that you have the vehicle (like your registration or title).

Each of these variables could result in a substantial cost when it's time to buy a new car keys. It's crucial that drivers have a key replacement plan in place to avoid having to pay hundreds of dollars for replacement costs if they lose their keys.