Car Key Cutting Cost Explained In Less Than 140 Characters How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership cost.

Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide a level of security and convenience to the car owner. However, these devices come with an expense. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of car theft. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.

key cutting services near me work on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the make and model of your car. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.

It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.

The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type.

Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.


Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. You can do this by looking at the key blade for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.

A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. 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. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.

In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.

If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by buying it online. Search for a key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some may require two working keys to accomplish this).

Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.

You can also lower your key cutting cost s by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk.

The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you can typically find them for significantly less than dealer-supplied options.

If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low, and can range between $10 and $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed using a special machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.

It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace them. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.