How Much Does a Locksmith Charge to Replace Car Keys? 

If you’ve lost your car keys, you may be wondering how much a locksmith charges to replace them. In general, the cost of a new key will depend on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. However, a lot of locksmiths provide car key services for a price that is often a fraction of the cost of a replacement at a dealership. 

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While many locksmiths will not offer a service for free, many roadside assistance programs will pay for some or all of the costs. You can find information about which companies offer such services by checking the websites of auto insurance providers. 

If your key is jammed in the ignition, an auto locksmith can help retrieve it, as well as extract it from the lock. Getting a new key cut is a relatively straightforward process, but if you’re looking to have a remote key made, you’ll have to leave the vehicle. In some cases, your dealership may require you to bring the car with you when you get a key cut. If you can’t, you might have to call a tow truck. 

On the flip side, you may find that a locksmith is able to duplicate a key for you on the spot. You can have a new key made in as little as 20 minutes. A locksmith can also replace a broken or broken-off key, as well as repair or open a locked car. Depending on the time of day, the cost of a key replacement may vary. 

In addition to the cost of a new key, you may have to spend money on other car maintenance items such as new locks and ignition switches. These costs can add up to hundreds of dollars. 

The most expensive item will probably be a new key with a transponder. The chip needs to be programmed before you can start your vehicle. The cost of this can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on your car model. The average car dealership will charge around $160 for a key with a transponder, though some will give it away for free. 

You can also get a key copied from your existing one, which will save you money. A normal house key can cost around $1, but a duplicate may be as much as $10. A laser cut key with a unique sideways carving can be a bit more expensive. 

Although there is no exact way to determine how much a locksmith will charge to replace your car keys, the typical range is from $30 to $100. Those costs will vary by the type of vehicle you drive, the time of day you call, and the location of the business. Some locksmiths will not charge more for their services during off-hours. 

If you’re in a pinch, you can also call 9-1-1 and ask for help. If you need to get a lock repaired, you can take advantage of an offer from Pop-A-Lock, which will repair a damaged lock for less.