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The 10 Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is not a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through the dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with costs. In some cases it could be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off.

Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head.


We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.

It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they can profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.

The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's a chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure method as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock.

car keys cut near me with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and this can add cost.

A new fob and key can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Search for an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers with ease (though some require two working, current keys to do this).

Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to make them again but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.

Another way to cut your key cutting costs is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built-in.

The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.

If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low, and can vary between $10 and $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.

A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as transponder chips.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace them. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.

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