How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost?

There are few things as problematic or as frustrating as losing car keys. If you can’t use your car, then you have to look into alternative means of transport, which will cost you. You also pay in terms of convenience, as you will be waiting on public schedules.

You’ll want to get your car key replaced sooner rather than later. And the process is not as complicated or as costly as you might think. This guide will investigate the cost of car key replacement and the factors that affect the overall price. In brief, car key replacements can cost between $250 – $750 provided you have a spare. For a completely new replacement, getting a replacement car key can cost $1,500 – $3,500.

We’re also going to look into some of the different kinds of car keys and explain definitions underpinning locks, keys, and security. This will help you better understand the process and related costs.

The moral of the story: try not to lose your keys and make sure you have a spare at hand. This will keep your car key replacement costs to a minimum.

Car Keys Explored

Before we explore the price of car key replacement in detail, we need to define a few terms. The actuator controls the door lock. It is located underneath the latch and is connected via a thin metal rod. When the actuator is working correctly, the door will be either locked or unlocked depending on the key used.

Actuators can be operated remotely using radio frequency remote key (wireless) or with a traditional key (manual). Modern car keys will be electric and come with a transponder that is connected to the ignition for starting the car. These keys can often be programmed from the driver’s seat.

Of course, there is a wide range of car manufacturers and a wide range of models. This also means that there are multiple types of keys with unique designs. They will all work with the door lock using an actuator.

The two main ways to lock or unlock a door are:

1. Using a traditional metal key
2. Using a radio frequency that sends a signal to the lock

Many cars allow for both remote entry and a physical key. This is helpful in the event that the wireless transponder fails. These keys are dual purpose, but the problem is that both are part of one unit. If you lose your key, you lose the wireless and traditional versions within a single item.

What’s more, many people actually keep their spare key on the same ring as their main key. This is not a great idea. If you lose your keyring, you lose everything, driving up both the costs and the inconvenience of getting a replacement.

Factors affecting car key replacement cost

Several reasons account for the variance in the car key replacement costs. Understanding these can give you an indication of what you can expect to pay in the unfortunate event of losing your keys.

#1 – Whether you have a spare

Technically, this is a ‘duplication’ instead of a ‘replacement’. But it is a lot more affordable to simply have a duplicate at hand so you never need to get a full replacement. If you do not have a spare car key, consider getting one before it is too late. It will cost you a fraction in comparison to getting a full replacement, and you can take care of it at your convenience, rather than in a hurry with a lot of extra stress.

With a spare key, a machine can make a replica based on the template of the spare. Without this template, you will have to go to the manufacturer for a replacement or to a qualified locksmith to take apart your locking mechanism and create a brand new key. Both of these options can take a considerable amount of of time and expertise. The car door key replacement cost will rise exponentially without the spare at hand.

#2 – Where you go

Some locksmiths are extremely experienced, with a large bank of keys, sophisticated tools, and a familiarity with numerous brands of car keys. Others are trained to duplicate basic keys and may not be able to help, especially on short notice.

It’s cheaper to go to a professional locksmith that has specific experience in car keys.

Going to the car dealership is going to be far more expensive. They often like to make money this way, knowing that you are in a pretty bad spot. This is an unfortunate reality and another reason why making sure you have a spare on hand is so important.

#3 – Car model

Some types of car keys are far more expensive than others. This is true if you have an older car, which can be harder to replace, or a luxury car, for which accessories and service are generally more costly. Some models also have sophisticated keys with multiple locking features that can be expensive to replace.

Your car manual will tell you whether or not you have a standard key or a special key. However, special keys are actually the norm these days! New car keys will typically feature key fobs, transponders, compact switchblade keys, and remote starter controls, just to name a few. This is great for security and convenience, until you lose your key.

#4 – Machine used

The reason that this is relevant is that the type of machine used to duplicate the car key will determine the time taken. It also influences the quality. Let’s say you go to a basic key cutter who duplicated your key blade. The key might open the door, but it then may fail to start the car!

You find out, too late, that you needed a car key cutter that could also program transponder keys. The more advanced your key, the more precise the machine will need to be to create a duplicate. And this will mean it costs more. Cheaper machines will not be as precise for these kinds of keys, and any savings you might see could be lost in lack of actual usability.

#5 – Type of service

Most people do not understand the difference between a car key duplication, car key replacement, and transponder programming. This is one reason why there is confusion surrounding the topic itself and why prices may seem to vary so much.

Transponder programming in addition to the duplication will cost more than the simple duplication alone. But car key replacement will cost you far, far, far more. So you need to identify which type you need to get a better idea of how much you can expect to pay. Here are the differences in a nutshell:

• Duplication: Makes a copy of an existing physical key
• Replacement: Creates a brand new key (sometimes requiring new locks)
• Transponder Programing: Ensures wireless access works for the vehicle

Cost of car key replacement by brand

The cost of car key replacement will depend on the type of key more than anything else. So, the first thing you need to do is identify the type of key in order to get an accurate quote. Remember, this is for a car key replacement when you have a spare at hand. The prices will greatly increase if you need a completely new set.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when replacing a car key?

The main question you need to ask of a potential car key locksmith is whether or not they are able to program transponder chips. Most modern car keys will have a manual key for entry as well as a transponder to start the ignition. So you could be left in a classic situation of being able to open the car door without being able to start the ignition, which rather defeats the purpose.

It’s rare to find a locksmith that can also program transponder keys. Most are trained to simply duplicate basic keys. Our Auto locksmith can also program transponder chips so you can avail of this service. We offer key duplication and replacement, including autoresponder programming, for all major car models including:

• Toyota
• Mazda
• Holden
• Ford
• Mitsubishi
• Nissan
• Subaru
• Peugeot
• Renault
• BMW

Why are car keys so expensive?

Innovations in the industry have complicated tasks and added to the costs of physical parts. Older cars simply used a physical key, and this could be duplicated quite easily and quickly. But now there are many additional elements involving software and chips that make it more convenient to drive, harder to break into cars, and more expensive to create new keys.

The downside is that if you lose the key for a more modern vehicle, it will be much harder to get it replaced. Where once everything was more or less standardised, now car manufacturers are all doing their own thing when it comes to security.

The increased level of sophistication comes with the disadvantage of the expense of replication. But like all things, you can avoid this by taking basic security precautions. Have a spare key at hand at all times. Most models will cost less than $500 to duplicate, and many new cars are sold with two keys to start with.

What is the process for car key replacement?

For a physical key only, the process is simple and convenient. The car lock expert will travel to your car and make a new key on the spot. This can all be done within an hour or so. The door lock is removed, and a new key is created by using the vehicle lock code. If the lock code cannot be accessed, the process gets a lot more intricate. The entire lock will need to be taken away and a new key generated. However, this is quite rare.

The process for an electronic car key replacement will be similar. The key is cut and transponder programmed, provided you have found a locksmith capable of doing this.

When replacing a key completely, having lost both sets, you’re in trouble. The computer in the car needs to be reset, and a new set of keys given to match. This is a job for the car dealership. It’s more work, and a lot more money, too.

How difficult is it to copy and program car keys?

It depends on the type of key, but generally, it’s quite straightforward. Car key duplication is simply done with a duplication machine. A new key is created that is an exact copy of the original, which is why it is so easy. If you have the right equipment, you can even do it yourself. But the equipment to do this is a lot more expensive than simply getting the duplicate from a locksmith.

Programming the transponder can also be done without any significant technical skills, provided you had a relatively old car key. The information for programming fobs and keys should be located in your manual. You can also look for this information online using the car make and  model. However, later models will require you to go to a specialist locksmith for programming.

Many new cars require special tools to access the onboard diagnostics of a vehicle, and only the locksmith will have these tools. An auto locksmith is also the only service that will travel to your location, which is more convenient than going to a hardware store. Moreover, the locksmith tends to be more affordable.

How can I identify a quality locksmith agency for a car key replacement?

You can definitely lower your car key cutting price by going to an established and reputable locksmith. You can determine whether they are reliable and affordable by asking the following questions:

1. Does this locksmith provide a 24/7 day emergency service?
2. Is this a professional and dedicated locksmith or just a person with a key cutting machine?
3. Does this locksmith offer free quotes?
4. Does this locksmith provide transponder services for major car models?
5. Does this locksmith have positive testimonials and client feedback?
6. Is this locksmith licensed and qualified?
7. Does this locksmith have at least 5 years of experience?
8. Does this locksmith offer a reasonable car key cutting price?

If the locksmith meets all of the above criteria, then you should be fine. After all, you are really just looking for a reliable locksmith that can quickly make you a key so you can get back on the road.

Summary: Lost car key replacement costs

If you’ve lost your car keys, you’re facing some unavoidable costs to be able to operate your car again. To work out the lost car key replacement cost, you can do the following:

1. Identify the brand, make, and model of the vehicle
2. Determine whether you need a duplication, full replacement, and/or transponder programming.
3. Call up your local locksmith for a quote with the above information
4. Confirm whether the locksmith is able to provide all of the features you need including programing transponders

On average, you will pay between $250 – $500 for most simple replacement services based on a duplicate key. For a full replacement, you may have to contact a dealership.

For the rest, Contact Barrier Locksmiths. We operate a 24/7 emergency service and will generate a car key replacement for you ASAP. Quotes are fast and free, raters are extremely affordable, and all major models are serviced.

Check out our ratings and reviews on Google to see why we’re the trusted choice for Automotive locksmith services in brisbane.

Call now on  0429 197 981 for a rapid response and a swift resolution.