10 Easy Ways To Figure Out Your Car Key Cutting Cost How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost.

Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.

Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of all cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of car theft. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then take off.

Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.

If you need to have a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost up to $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.

The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

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

Another thing to consider is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. You can do this by checking the key blade to find chips or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.


A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not an option for everyone. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to 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. But, it's not the most secure method as it may damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

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

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.

If car key cutting and programming lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer easily (though some may require two working, current keys for this).

Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.

Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built-in.

These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look online or at your local hardware store.

If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very affordable and range from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.

It is costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and the transponder chip.

get a car key cut with keyless entry can also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.