

Laser-cut keys are more complex, and will add another $50 or so. The machines to program the transponders are almost exclusively found at dealerships, and they’ll charge you for the labor – you’re looking at $150-$250 for this car key replacement. Transponder keys, on the other hand, have to be programmed for the transponder units to link up, so this can cost quite a bit more. Mechanical keys are relatively inexpensive, as it is simply cutting a new blank. Those different keys come with different prices when you want to replace them. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Key? Of course, a fob that can do all this is a fob that is complicated and expensive to replace. Instead, this “ smart key” is a remote-like device that can unlock or lock the doors based on proximity to the vehicle, and can start the vehicle remotely.

The most complex and costly – and, unfortunately, increasingly common – key isn’t a key at all. These are most often seen in a switchblade type configuration so you can tuck the key blade in when you want to keep it in your pocket. Increasingly more common, these combine a remote that locks or unlocks doors, contains a mechanical key, and includes a transponder to allow for features like push-button start. By etching the key on the side of a metal piece, instead of the traditional single- or double-edge sawtooth cuts of traditional keys, these can’t be duplicated by a guy with a grinder or file.

Just like with the above, but with a harder-to-duplicate laser-cut key. This two-step process adds cost to replacing the key, as the transponder needs to be replaced and programmed as well. The transponder links up with the vehicle and confirms the key is a valid one. They are a combination of the mechanical key, but with a transponder in the key head. These are the most common in circulation right now. If you do have them, they generally are for the trunk or door locks only, and won’t work in the ignition. The old-school “insert and turn” keys, these aren’t too common in cars made in the last two decades. The first step in replacing your car key is figuring out which one you have. There are basically five different types of car keys out there.
