10 Websites To Help You To Become A Proficient In Car Key Cutting Cost How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.

Keys that have Transponder chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide an element of security and ease to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of most cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.

If you need to have a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys to match your car model and make. car keys cut and programmed is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.

The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.

A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also increase the cost.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer easily (though some will require two current, working keys to accomplish this).

Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more advanced models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They can be costly to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from the car's dealer.

Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob has numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built-in.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, if you look online or at your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.


A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They work by sending messages from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.