How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is not an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.

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

Keys that have Transponder chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. However they also come with a cost. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is a big deal because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.

Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match your car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.

Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.

The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it will have the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. You can do this by checking the key blade for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.

The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. This isn't the most secure option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.

A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Search for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some require two working, current keys to do this).


Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set purchased from your car's dealer.

Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob has many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. key cutting services near me g28carkeys can even help you open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built in.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find them at significantly less than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.