Car Key Cutting Cost: What Nobody Has Discussed How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is never an ideal idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder chips

Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.


The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then take off.

Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.

The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store shop, 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 will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been 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 go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this isn't an option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the most secure method as it may damage the key's electronics or break the key off in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.

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

cutting car keys near me that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from the dealer in your vehicle.

Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature they will help you open your hatch and trunk.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. 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 often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.

A key that has a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. They are also known as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Most modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.