Tips to Save Money on Car Keys Replacement Cost

Car keys were affordable and easy to replace car key cost, but now it can cost a lot of money. It is based on the year, make and model of your car.

It's cheaper to make duplicate keys at a local locksmith store or hardware store rather than replacing the one you lost (a key replacement). The following are the most important cost factors.

Basic Key Fobs for Car Keys Replacement Cost Keys

You'll likely find the key fob in your bag, pocket, or junk drawer. These small, handy gadgets do more than lock and unlock your car--they double as an effective security measure as well as a theft deterrent. They're costly to replace if they are lost car keys replacement cost uk broken, stolen or lost. Consumer Reports offers a few tips to help you save money when replacing key fobs.

Contact your local locksmith or mechanic. You might be able get back on the road in less than the price of the dealership. "My locksmith can make basic keys, including key-cutting and programming, for around $200," says locksmith Phil Genesky in San Francisco. "He does not have the tools for the latest European models, though."

Modern cars come with key fobs that have to be programmed to function with the vehicle. That's where things really start to get expensive. Key fobs of the latest models could cost you up to $400, based on the manufacturer and that's just for the key itself. In addition, you might need to purchase a brand new mechanical backup key and pay for it programmed. Before you shell out the cash, check with your warranty, Car Keys Replacement Cost auto insurance or roadside assistance coverage to determine if they will cover fobs for keys. Take a look online for fobs that match your model and make. They are often laser-cut and programmed at a fraction of the cost of replacing car keys dealers charge.

Transponder Keys

Since the 1990s, a number of automobile manufacturers have added microchips to the head of the key to provide an additional layer of security. This chip, known as transponder, is a unique communication code with the vehicle. When the key is fitted into the ignition it transmits its code to immobilizer system. If the code matches it, it allows the engine to start. Keys like these are more difficult to duplicate than keys made of metal, and they also make the vehicle less likely to be stolen. However, car thieves have adapted and have found ways to circumvent these systems.

To copy a transponder chip locksmiths must have special equipment that reads the chip and then clones it onto the blank key. This means it is more expensive than a normal flat metal key. The majority of transponder keys also utilize batteries that need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Many people believe that the cost of a transponder is higher than a key fob, or a remote-head key (RHK). However, this isn't always the case. Certain of these keys can be duplicated in local hardware stores, making them less expensive than an original key that needs to be programmed. These keys are also much less expensive than smart key, which is only available through dealers and ranges from $200 and $500.

Switchblade Keys

The days when misplacing car keys or losing them was not a big issue are long gone. Nowadays, with the latest technology in automobiles and keys, replacing one can cost you several hundred dollars.

Traditional keys are basic metal locks which fit into the ignition cylinder, allowing you to unlock or lock your door. They are typically inexpensive to replace from the hardware or locksmith store.

Transponder keys are a more advanced version of traditional keys. They feature embedded computers them that wirelessly connects the car that allows it to be unlocked and to be started. This type of key is expensive to replace, costing up to $250. The car needs to be reprogrammed in order to recognize it.

When not in use the blades of switchblade car keys, commonly called VATS or PASS Keys, fold into the fob. It is possible to use the key by pressing the button to release the blade. These are more expensive to replace than basic or laser cut keys, since you'll need to purchase the blade and key fob. You'll also have to contact the dealer directly to replace the type of key as it requires special programming. The dealer will likely charge an initial fee for the service as well. In this case, you should always keep a spare key to your car somewhere safe.

Smart Keys Keys

Smart keys are becoming more popular. They are key fobs with a mechanical blade and transponder technology. They can unlock doors and in some cases, start a car without taking the key from one's purse or pocket. They are often used to store vehicle settings for drivers by themselves and some even allow remote control of things like windows and sunroofs. These devices usually cost more than $100 and must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer with special equipment.

These smart keys can only be duplicated by a manufacturer-approved dealership, which means you'll pay more to get a replacement key from them than you would for an old-school bayonet-style metal key. You'll also have to provide the VIN number of your car to the dealer to match a key to your vehicle.

The most economical and effective way to obtain a spare car key is to hire an auto locksmith. If you don't know your VIN, you can try finding a duplicate car key programming cost key from roadside assistance. Or your insurance company if they're willing to offer it at an affordable price. If you're unable to locate your VIN, it's located on the driver's side of the dashboard and in the windshield wiper area, or in the engine bay.