Imagine you’re walking up to your vehicle to get ready to go to work, but when you go to grab your keys, they aren’t there. While many of us will be able to retrace our steps when this happens and locate our keys, some of us will lose our car keys for good. Car keys can be lost, broken and even stolen, so knowing what to do in the event that you need replacement car keys is important. It’s even helpful to have a spare or two tucked away in a safe place. But how much does it cost to replace lost, broken or stolen keys?
How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to how much replacement car keys will cost. This is due to many factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, what type of key you’re replacing, where you purchase your key and whether or not your car key needs to be reprogrammed.
There are four different categories of keys with varying costs. Car and Truck Remotes has broken down these differences so you can know what to expect when you need to replace your key.
Basic Keys
Basic car keys are the easiest to replace and the most affordable, but they’re also relatively uncommon compared to their more secure alternatives, the transponder keys. Basic car keys are identifiable by their strict key-like nature; they’re made of metal without any additional parts — no plastic and no buttons. A basic car key will cost $50 to $100 for the key and the necessary labor.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are similar to basic keys but with one major difference — each features a plastic head that hides a microchip that connects to and pairs with your vehicle. This safety feature guarantees that the car will not start unless it detects the proper key. These cost to replace these types of keys will range from $150 to $200.
Key Fobs
A key fob is an additional remote that may have come with your basic or transponder key, or you may have purchased it separately. While you may still be able to access and use your car after losing a key fob, knowing how you can replace one is important. Key fobs are specific to your vehicle’s make, model and year, so the price can vary greatly, but generally you should expect to pay $50 to $200 for a new key fob.
Keyless Entry Remotes
Keyless entry remotes allow you to access and use your vehicle without a physical key, and they generally connect to an ignition switch or button. Because of their advanced technology, security features and compatibility, keyless entry remotes will cost anywhere between $250 and $600. However, keyless entry remotes for luxury vehicles and brands are generally more expensive.
Where To Purchase Your New Key?
Of course, knowing where to go to purchase and program a new vehicle key is as important as knowing what type of key you need. For example, having a key programmed by a local locksmith can save you a significant amount compared to the costs at a dealership. And purchasing your replacement key from Car and Truck Remotes can cost up to 70% less than purchasing from other sources. If you’re looking for an affordable replacement option, you can trust Car and Truck Remotes.