3 Common Reasons Why Your Cost Of Replacement Car Key Isn't Working (And How To Fix It) Cost of Replacement Car Keys

The loss of your car keys can be a huge trouble. The cost of replacing them is also a major expense.

Calling an auto locksmith is the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your car key. You can also get your key cloned at a specialist dealer, but they'll charge you more.

Year & Make a Vehicle

The days of having a lost car key was not an issue are over. Today's cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive to replace. The loss of your smart key could cost you as much as $350.

Modern vehicles use electronic fobs and keys to unlock doors and start the engine. Keys and fobs are tiny electronic devices with circuitry, batteries and transponder chips that are all connected to your vehicle's specific model. This is a complicated process that requires specialized tools and training.

There are ways to save on replacement keys for your vehicle. By comparing the prices of keys and features before you buy you will be better informed about how much to expect to spend on new keys.

One of the main factors that can determine the cost of replacement keys for your car is the year and make of your vehicle. Many newer vehicles have high-tech transponder chips that need to be linked to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer which is a costly and time-consuming procedure.

It is cheaper to replace older cars and keys that don't contain transponder chips. Additionally, you can often save money on new car keys through a third-party service or purchasing a new key on the internet.

You might also look into purchasing an portable GPS device like Tile or AirTag that can aid you in finding your car keys should they are lost. These devices are attached to your keys and are simple to use with the smartphone app.

Keep in mind that losing or misplacing keys to your car could be expensive. It is best to always have a spare. If you don't have a spare key, check with your dealer to see if they offer a free replacement program. It could be a part of the vehicle warranty or as an additional roadside assistance option. These programs will cover up to $400 in key replacement costs per year and are well worth the assurance they offer.

Technology Type

While remote fobs and car keys may look like simple pieces of metal, they're actually tiny electronic devices. In this way they have more to them than what's apparent and this makes them expensive to replace.

The type of key you have will also impact the amount it will cost you to purchase the replacement. Key fobs that are standard are inexpensive to duplicate, however they're not as durable as modern models that include an additional layer of security. These keys have a special head that has a chip that communicates to the computer in the car. A duplicate key cannot function without the chip, even in the event that it has the same ridges and grooves as the original. These keys are more expensive than conventional keys since they require two steps to make the key: laser cutting and programming the key to your vehicle.

In certain situations a locksmith may need to disassemble the transponder chip to program it correctly. This is a dangerous job that should only be done by a specialized locksmith. If they need to replace other parts, such as the housing that houses chips, the procedure is time-consuming and expensive.

You'll need to take your car to a dealer to have a key programmed. You'll need evidence of ownership like the registration papers or title documents. In addition, you'll have to wait a few days for the dealer to purchase an additional key for your car and match it with the existing one.

Genesky says he's able to do the key cutting and programming for customers who have older European vehicles in his shop for $200-$250. Genesky has to refuse customers who have the most recent models of cars since there isn't the costly equipment required to program their keys. This is why it's important to find a local locksmith or dealer that provides a wide range of services and can accommodate any kind of vehicle. In the end, this will save you money over the long term in the process of repairing and replacing lost or stolen car keys.

Where You Live

The place you live will affect the amount a locksmith or car dealer will charge for key replacement. Prices are higher in larger cities than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because a service provider must travel further to reach you, which means greater cost.

The time and location of the loss could be a factor in the price. If you lose your keys on an evening or on a holiday it can add to the total cost. You could also be charged for the inconvenience of waiting longer for a technician.

The type of key you have will also influence the cost. Some cars come with only basic mechanical keys or standard keys, while others include transponder chips, key fobs or smart keys. Those keys that are more advanced in technology will cost more to replace.

Some of these high-tech keys require to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer. This can take up to an hour or more and is a reason why the cost is higher than for a basic key.

For those with older vehicles with standard keys that do not have transponder chips will typically pay less for an entirely new key. Standard key cutting typically requires a glance at the cut marks on the ignition or using the VIN number to determine which key is right for the car.

Most keys require that they be connected to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engines. If car key battery replacement lost your keys and are unable to locate them, contact the dealership that you purchased the car, but that is not always an option.

Based on your insurance policy depending on your insurance policy, it could be possible to submit a claim to them to pay for an alternative key or fob. Companies offering roadside assistance like AAA could be able help with this as well however they'll likely only provide a simple key and not the more advanced technology.

Security Features

It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys however, it also gives thieves the chance to take your vehicle. While this is a danger that every driver faces it's important to understand the cost of replacing your car keys to ensure you have enough money for it.

There are a variety of factors that affect the cost of keys replacement. The cost of replacing keys is determined by a variety of factors, such as the year and model of your vehicle as well as the technology used in the key, and security features. You should also think about whether you'd prefer to use an emergency roadside assistance program, such as AAA. This could increase the cost of replacing your lost key.

It is cheaper to replace traditional metal keys to cars without transponders. They can typically be duplicated at a hardware store for less than $10. A newer smart lock must be programmed and linked to your vehicle by an auto locksmith. This could cost as much as $200 or more.

Many cars are now equipped with keys that use radio frequency identification to connect with your vehicle's computer. These keys are harder to copy and are designed to stop theft. The cost to replace keys like these can be as high as $500 or more.

You could also add a tracker to your keychain in case you misplace it. These small devices are available at the majority of hardware stores and are utilized with an app that tracks your key that you lost. They can increase the cost of replacing electronic keys, however they are a cost-effective and effective option for most people.


In the past the time of losing your car keys could be a major hassle and put you out of money for a time. Today, we have more technology than we did in the past, so losing your keys can be a hassle. But it doesn't need to be costly to get you back behind the wheel.