How Much Does a Locksmith Cost to Make a Car Key? 

Whether you lost your car keys, or you are looking for a new key for a vehicle that you purchased at a dealership, it’s important to know how much a locksmith costs to make a car key. Depending on the type of vehicle, the price for replacing a key can range from several dollars to several hundred dollars. 

Several factors determine the cost of a locksmith’s work, including the type of key you need and whether you want to program the key yourself. Some manufacturers allow you to program your own transponder keys. If you have two operating keys, you may be able to do this yourself, but you should read the instructions carefully. 

Creating a transponder key will be more expensive than making a regular car key. This is because it involves programming the chip inside the key to your vehicle. Typically, a locksmith will charge around $160 to $200 to reprogram a transponder key. If you are trying to save money, you can also program the key yourself, but you will have to do a lot more research. 

A locksmith’s hourly rate can affect the cost of your project, but the actual cost will vary based on the complexity of the project. If you have a complex wiring job, it will take longer to complete than a simple one. If you have a high-tech lock system installed in your vehicle, you should hire a professional locksmith who has experience installing the system. 

The cost of a locksmith to make a car key will also depend on how old the vehicle is. If it’s an older model, you may be able to save money by using a locksmith. But, if you have a newer model, it will cost more to get a new key made. It’s important to note that many vehicles today have a chip in their key. This chip is designed to help the vehicle start and unlock, and it’s important to have the key programmed before you can use it. 

The cost of a locksmith’s services will vary, depending on the location, the make of your car, and the time of day. A locksmith can usually do a basic lock replacement for less than $50. However, a more complicated job can cost up to $100. Getting a new ignition switch can also cost a few hundred dollars. 

If you need a new car key, you can have a duplicate made at an AutoZone store. You will need to provide proof of ownership. They’ll ask for your VIN number, which is found on the dashboard. If you don’t have a current key, the cost of a duplicate is usually much lower than the cost of making a new key from scratch. 

You should also be aware that some automotive locksmiths specialize in reprogramming car key fobs. If you have a newer model, you will have to have the key fob replaced, which means you’ll have to go to a car dealership to have the key reprogrammed.