Car Key Replacement Cost
Dealer vs locksmith, emergency lockouts, key types, and which cars cost the most to rekey.
Car Key Replacement Cost Estimator
Get a personalized estimate based on your vehicle and key type.
Programming required - must be done by locksmith or dealer
Best value, mobile service available
Getting a spare while the locksmith is there saves money
Estimated Total
$113
Range: $96 to $135
Key(s) Cost
$80
Programming / Labor
$33
Programming required
This key type must be programmed to your specific vehicle. A locksmith is typically 30-50% cheaper than a dealer for this service.
You save vs dealership
$65
Locksmiths and independent shops offer the same programming at lower cost
Quick answer
- Basic metal key copy: $5-$25 (hardware store or locksmith, older cars only)
- Transponder key: $50-$200 (has a chip, needs programming)
- Remote head key / switchblade: $100-$300 (key and buttons in one unit)
- Key fob / smart key: $150-$500 (push-button start vehicles)
- Dealer programming fee: $50-$200 on top of the key cost
Car Key Types and Costs
The type of key your vehicle uses determines the cost more than almost anything else.
| Key type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Basic metal key | $5-$25 |
| Transponder key | $50-$200 |
| Remote head key | $100-$300 |
| Key fob / smart key | $150-$500 |
| Switchblade key | $100-$250 |
All prices include programming where required. Locksmith rates used as the baseline. Dealer prices run 40-80% higher.
Dealer vs Locksmith vs Online
Where you get your key cut and programmed changes the price significantly.
- Guaranteed to work with your vehicle
- Only option for some luxury brands
- Slowest turnaround (book ahead)
- Highest price by a wide margin
- Mobile service comes to you
- Same-day turnaround in most areas
- Can handle most key types
- Best balance of price and convenience
- Cheapest option if done correctly
- Buy blank key online, pay locksmith to program
- Risk of ordering wrong part
- Locksmith may refuse third-party blanks
Emergency: Locked Out or Lost All Keys
Losing your only key or locking yourself out costs more than a planned replacement.
Lockout service (key still exists)
A locksmith opens the car without cutting a new key. Quick job, usually 15-30 minutes. Many roadside assistance plans cover this. Pay out of pocket only if you have no cover.
Lost all copies (no spare)
Without any working key, the locksmith must decode the door lock to cut a new key. This takes more time and specialist tools. Expect to pay $100-$200 more than a standard replacement.
Towing to a dealer
If no locksmith in your area handles your vehicle, towing is the last resort. Standard tow is $75-$150 for under 10 miles. Dealer key replacement adds $200-$500 on top.
How to keep costs down
- Keep at least one spare key at home
- Add roadside assistance to your car insurance
- Program a spare key immediately after any replacement job
- Some newer cars allow adding a key through the manufacturer app at lower cost
Which Cars Are Most Expensive to Rekey?
Luxury and technology-heavy brands charge significantly more for key replacement.
| Make | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Tesla | $250-$350 |
| BMW | $300-$500 |
| Mercedes-Benz | $200-$450 |
| Toyota / Honda | $150-$250 |
| Ford / Chevrolet | $100-$200 |
Prices are locksmith rates unless noted. Dealer prices are typically 40-80% higher for the same job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a lost car key?
Replacing a lost car key costs $50-$500 depending on key type. A basic metal key costs $5-$25. A transponder key runs $50-$200. A smart key or key fob for push-button start vehicles costs $150-$500. If you have lost all copies, a locksmith must decode the lock, which adds $100-$200 to the total.
Is it cheaper to get a car key at a dealer or locksmith?
A locksmith is almost always cheaper than a dealer. Dealers charge $200-$500 for most keys, while a mobile locksmith typically charges $100-$300 for the same job. The cheapest option is buying a key online and paying a locksmith just to program it, which can bring the total under $150 for many vehicles.
Can I program a car key myself?
Some older vehicles allow self-programming through a sequence of ignition turns. Most modern vehicles require specialist equipment to write to the ECU. Key fobs can often be self-programmed. Transponder keys and smart keys almost always need professional programming. Check your owner's manual for your specific model.
What is the most expensive car key to replace?
Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz tend to have the most expensive replacement keys. Tesla key cards and fobs cost $250-$350 and require dealer pairing. BMW and Mercedes smart keys often run $300-$500 at the dealer, with some models only available through the dealer network. Ford and Chevrolet keys are typically the most affordable at $100-$200.