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Car Key Cutting Cost The Process Isn't As Hard As You Think
How to Cut car keys cut near me Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.

Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of all cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.

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

If you need to have an extra car key made for a car with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.

It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they typically charge significantly more than locksmiths. They can do this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process could cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.

The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.

Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

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

Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.

The purchase of a key duplication device is another option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.


Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some may require two current, working keys to do this).

Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design templates for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new key from your car dealer.

You can also lower your key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.

It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip, and it's often required to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob dies it could cost you to replace them. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.

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