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Car Key Cutting Cost The Process Isn't As Hard As You Think
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.

Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying from an agent.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. However they also come with an expense. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith 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. This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.

Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to function. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.

If you need to have a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.

Also, it's important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they usually cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys have 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 car keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.

The most effective method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the key type.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will come with the proper transponder chip. This is vital, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.

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

If keys cut for cars plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.

A key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.

Key Fobs with keys

Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well.

If you lose your only working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers easily (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this).


Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and need a template to reproduce them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from your dealer in your vehicle.

Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.

The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.

If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low and range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.

It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.

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