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How much does a car key replacement cost?
I lost one of the keys to my car and am down to just one fob. How much will it cost to replace my car key?
Jacqulyn Graber · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A car key replacement can cost anywhere from $50 to well over $500 per key. The actual amount you pay depends on myriad factors.
On the other hand, parts for luxury car brands—like
Mercedes-Benz
and BMW
—tend to be a bit more pricey. The second factor is the age of your vehicle, which influences the type of key you need. Older vehicles use very basic keys—and even some modern vehicles will come with a simple valet key. These are the least expensive keys to produce and can generally be made the same day at your local locksmith or car dealership.
Basic keys should cost around $50 to $100 each.
If your vehicle is newer, however, its simple-looking key may actually be a transponder key. The shank of a transponder key is typically laser-cut and a bit more expensive to make because they require a special machine. Plus, the transponder chip will need to be programmed, which costs extra.
You’ll spend about $150 to $250 each for a transponder key.
Another type of key is a key fob, which is essentially an electronic remote. If your fob is separate from your physical key, it can be purchased from your dealership or as an aftermarket part online.
Fobs cost about $50 to $150 a piece.
Some key fobs are integrated with the physical key—often in the form of a switchblade key. If you somehow damage just the physical key portion, it may only cost $50 to $80 to replace—but if you lose or damage the entire fob, it’ll cost about $200 to $300.
The final option is a smart key, which is a fob that is used in most modern vehicles for remote keyless entry. These fobs are the most expensive—costing about $250 to $400 for more affordable vehicles and around $500 or more for luxury cars.
Finally, you should note that replacing your key will likely be cheaper if you have a spare on hand for the dealership or locksmith to make a copy of. If you’ve lost or damaged all of your car’s keys, it’ll need to be towed to the dealership so that they can make brand new keys based on your vehicle’s ignition. Altogether, this could cost you over $1,000.
Locking your keys inside your vehicle is almost as annoying as losing them altogether. But you can prepare for these situations by investing in a
car insurance
policy with roadside assistance. Not sure how to find the best-customized car insurance policy for you? Just download
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