How much it costs to copy a car key varies depending on several factors. These include the type of key, the make and model of the car, the locksmith’s rates, and more. Many people never think about the cost of car key duplication because they think they will ever need to duplicate car keys. However, several reasons why having a duplicate car key can be handy. For example, if you lose your keys or lock them in your car, you’ll be glad you have a spare set!
When it comes to car key duplication, it’s always a good idea to have a spare key on hand. This can help you avoid being stranded if you lose your keys or lock them in the car. It’s also useful if you need to give someone a copy of your keys. If you’re ever in a situation where you need key duplication, the cost is probably the last thing on your mind. So, if you’re thinking of duplicating your auto key, don’t hesitate – it could save you from a lot of hassle down the road.
The Difference Between Car Key Replacement and Car Key Duplication
When it comes to car key duplication, it’s important to understand the difference between a duplicate and a replacement key. Key duplication is an exact copy of your current car key- meaning you need to have your original key to get the duplicate made. On the other hand, a replacement key is a brand new key made without the original, cut specifically for your car. You don’t need to have your original key to get a replacement key made.
So, if you don’t have your original key available, what car key duplication cost should you be looking at? Well, in this case, it’s recommended that you either get a replacement key made by a locksmith or a dealership. If you’re looking for the most affordable solution available, then getting a new key cut isn’t going to be your best bet. It’s going to be significantly cheaper in just about every case to have a duplicate car key made rather than a replacement one.
If you are looking for the best value, it’s important to understand how car key duplication prices are determined. As we mentioned earlier, it all starts with your unique car key. Some locksmiths charge more than others to cut a new one because they have better equipment or faster service times. Once it’s time to determine the key duplication price, some other factors will come into play.
Several Factors influence the Cost of Duplicating a Car Keys
1. The Chosen Place for Car Key Duplication
The cost of having a car key duplicated will vary depending on where you go. In general, local hardware stores are not the best place to make a duplicate, as the employees there typically do not have enough experience to give you good advice. Trusted locksmiths or dealerships are a much better option, as they have employees who have been specifically trained to duplicate car keys.
Furthermore, locksmiths and dealerships usually have a larger selection of key blanks from which to choose, while home improvement stores generally do not carry this type of inventory. Another factor that determines the cost of getting a new key made is the average price of local competitors. If there are any special rates in your area or wholesale sellers are selling the key blanks, the cost will decrease. If there are limited supplies to begin with, or if the key blanks are rare, then it will be more expensive.
2. The Car Keys Type
Car make and model is an important factor in the cost of car key duplication. This is because your car’s make and model will directly influence the key blank you need for the duplicate key. Sometimes car key blank will be standard cost, but it may be more expensive. This is the case when you need to duplicate a car key for an older car model, luxury car, or a car key with additional features not found on traditional keys.
Before determining the cost of a duplicate key, it is important to find more information regarding your car keys. You can find this information in your car’s manual or by doing some research on search engines like Google. This information will let you know whether it would be beneficial to get a new replacement key or if getting duplicated is the right option for you. It would help if you kept in mind that you need a function key for duplication. However, it’s not always as simple as it sounds.
Also, this information helps you understand if your car key is standard or if it has additional features like transponder chips. Standard keys do not have any of these extra parts, and their duplication cost is the lowest price of all. However, more modern-day cars utilize transponder chips, key fobs, laser-cut keys, making it more complicated to produce a duplicate key. This is not necessarily a negative thing because it makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car.
3. The Type of The Car Key Duplicator Machine
Another factor influencing the car key duplication cost is the type of machine used to duplicate the key. The duplication machine influences the needed time to duplicate the key and the precision of the cuts that make up the biting.
Furthermore, charging more for a more precise duplication is fair, as it takes more time and effort. If you go to a hardware store to have your key duplicated, but it doesn’t open your car door, you might need to go to a different location with a machine that can also program transponder chips. In this case, the type of machine you use still affects the cost of getting your car key duplicated.
Car Key Duplication Cost
When it comes to figuring out the car key duplication cost, there are a few things you need to consider. First, remember that this is for duplicating car keys, not replacing them or cutting new keys. Also, the prices for car key duplication can vary depending on whether you need any extra services, like programming transponder keys. So, without further ado, let’s look at some numbers:
- $1 – $2 for basic car key duplication at a local hardware store
- $1.75 – $4 basic key duplication using a car locksmith company
- $100- $150 for car key duplication with additional features at a locksmith shop
- $150+ for key duplication at an automotive dealership
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how much it costs to have a car key duplicated, you’re in for a bit of a surprise. First, several car key duplication services can be performed depending on your needs. These include key duplication, replacement, and transponder key programming. If you can identify which type of service you need before you have your keys duplicated, you will get a better idea of the total cost. Car key duplication services are less expensive than lost car key replacement or transponder key programming.