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- Almost every car built since about 1998 has a chip in the key.
- Cutting the blade is cheap. Programming the chip is what costs money.
- If the car cranks but will not stay running, the chip is not programmed.
- Some cars let you add a key yourself if you already have two working keys.
- A plain chip key without remote buttons costs less than a remote head key.
What You Are Paying For
A transponder key looks like a normal key with a thick plastic head. Inside the head is a small chip with no battery. When you turn the key, the car checks the chip. If the chip is not on the car's list, the engine will not keep running.
So the job has two parts. The blade is cut on a key machine, which is quick and cheap. Then the chip is added to the car's list with a programming tool. That tool costs thousands of dollars and needs updates for new models, and that is where most of the price comes from.
The car key replacement cost guide explains this in more detail.
Typical Prices
Kelley Blue Book puts a transponder key at 50 to 100 dollars for the part and 75 to 150 to program, so 125 to 250 in total. Fixr lists 50 to 200 dollars to program a transponder key.
Our own range for a chip key cut and programmed is 150 to 300 dollars. Most jobs land at 150 to 250, and some cars run higher.
Programming a key you already have costs less than a full job. Expect about 50 to 150 dollars if the key is the right blank and already cut.
Add the service call if the locksmith comes to you, and the night rate after hours. Losing every key costs more, because the locksmith starts from nothing. See lost all car keys.
When You Can Do It Yourself
Some cars let you add a key with no tool at all, as long as you already have two working keys. Many Ford, Chrysler and General Motors cars of a certain age work this way. The steps are in the owner's manual or from the dealer.
You still need the blade cut, and the blank has to be the right chip for your car. A blank from an online seller is cheaper, but the wrong chip will not program. Most locksmiths will program a key you bought, but few will guarantee it.
If you only have one working key, the onboard method usually will not work. That is a job for a locksmith or dealer.
Locksmith or Dealer
An automotive locksmith is usually cheaper than the dealer and comes to the car. With no working key, that saves a tow.
The dealer is the right choice on some newer cars where programming is locked to the maker's system. A good locksmith tells you that on the phone.
Kelley Blue Book puts a locksmith's saving over a dealer at about 10 to 25 percent. On a lost key with a tow added, the gap is often bigger.
What to Ask on the Phone
Give the year, make and model, and say whether you still have a working key. Ask if the price includes the key, cutting, programming and the call out.
Ask if your car has a security delay. Many cars make you wait before they accept a new key. It is normal, and it should be in the quote.
If a key was lost, ask for it to be deleted from the car. Be ready to show ID and proof the car is yours.
Where These Numbers Come From
Sources. These ranges come from public pages we read on Kelley Blue Book and Fixr, checked against our car key replacement cost guide and locksmith cost guide.
One More Thing
Why does my car crank but not start with a new key
The blade fits but the chip is not programmed to the car. The immobiliser stops the engine. Programming the chip fixes it.
What is a security delay
Many cars make you wait, often 10 to 60 minutes, before they accept a new key. It is an anti theft step. It cannot be skipped and should be part of the quote.
Can a hardware store copy a chip key
Some stores can copy common chip keys. Many cannot, and some cars need a full programming tool. A locksmith can do most cars, and the dealer can do the rest.
Does a new key stop the old one working
Only if the car's key list is cleared and the keys you have are programmed again. If a key was lost or stolen, ask for that to be done.
Is a key without buttons cheaper
Yes. If you only need to start the car, a plain chip key costs less than a remote head key, and you can keep using your old remote for the doors.
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