What Is The Cost of Car Key Replacement in Toronto?

Car keys have an eerie ability to get lost. They can get lost in your pocket, in your purse or even underneath couch cushions. How then do you “get out of trouble” after misplacing your car keys? This where the cost of car key replacement services play a role.

The cost of replacing car keys can vary depending on your type of car keys. Also, the model of your vehicle, as well as your location, will affect the overall cost of car keys replacement.

Do you need replacement car keys? Here, we will provide a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend to acquire a new set of keys for your vehicle.

Factors Affecting The Cost of Car Key Replacement

The cost of car key replacement can range from $50 to $500 depending on several factors. Things to consider here include the model of the vehicle, the type of car key and the location.

The type of car key

Different makes of vehicles have different car keys. Some vehicles are more sophisticated than others. Consequently, their car keys will be more sophisticated than others. Here, it is essential to know the different types of car keys and how much it would cost to replace each.

Basic keys and fob

Fobs, also known as remote, is an essential part of a key set. Fobs are programmed with your car for better performance. To replace your key fob will cost $50 to $100 depending on the complexity of the design and the automaker.

Transponder keys

Transponder keys are car keys with transponder chips implanted in their plastic heads. These chips emit signals that the ignition system recognizes. Failure to recognize the signal will disable the ignition system from kicking off.

Hence, transponder keys have to be specially programmed for your car. Losing an already programmed key will mean you will not be able to start your car. As a result, getting a duplicate is important.

Switchblade keys

A switchblade car key is a type which folds comfortably inside of a special key handle. For the key to pop out, you have to press a button. An advantage of using this key is that it has purchasable body parts. The cost of replacing your switchblade key is $200 to $300.

Keyless entry remote

Keyless entry remotes are not “keys” per se. They are fobs inserted into a dash that function with buttons. Most times they stay in the purse or pocket. Because they work on rolling security codes, they are very difficult to hack.

Therefore, they have to be programmed with your car. However, if you lose one, it may be best to get car key replacement services through a dealer or factory parts reseller. The cost for replacing a keyless entry remote will range from $220 to $500.

Where the duplicate is made

Another factor that will affect the price of replacing your car key is where you duplicate them. If you take your car key to a local locksmith in Toronto, the pricing will be lower. But, if you take it to an automotive dealership, the pricing will be higher.

What differentiates both is the quality of materials that you’ll get. Furthermore, dealerships offer more experience and authenticity. Usually, this will reflect in the overall cost you have to pay for car key replacement.

Type of machine used for replacement

To replace or duplicate a car key, you will be needing a machine to do that. A machine that will effectively do this will be one that will precisely cut the keys. However, duplication machines differ in their effectiveness.

Some take more time to duplicate car keys, and some are less precise in cutting than others. Hence, their price will vary. So, if you will be duplicating your key in less time, you definitely will pay more.

Location

As you expect, cities with a high cost of living will come with a high cost of car key replacement.

The make of the vehicle

Different manufacturers use different car keys and security measures. Also, different models will mean different car keys. For some cars, you will need to visit the factory reseller because of its strong security codes. For this type of car keys, it will cost more for car keys replacement.

Also, some cars have extra features like a car alarm, electronic stability and antilock brakes (ABS). If your professional car key locksmith has to deal with these security measures, it will take longer to duplicate your car keys. This will translate into the eventual pricing for car key replacement services.

Time of the day

If there is an urgent need for key replacement after closing hours, you will be charged more.

Related Article: Simple Tip on How To Find Lost Car Keys

Ways of Replacing Car Keys

Below, we discuss the 5 most cost-effective ways to replace your car keys. After all, if you’re going to be covering the cost of car key replacement, it’s important to get the most value for your money.

Auto locksmith

What an auto locksmith does is to unlock vehicles, replace car keys, whole locks and ignition switches. Employing the service of an auto locksmith to replace your car keys is the cheapest and most affordable option.

Auto locksmiths have all the equipment to change all types of car keys. So they can replace car keys for all models of cars and types of car keys.

Also, auto locksmiths offer “emergency” services where they come to meet you in your location. Auto locksmiths do not only replace your car keys but they also:

Program remote car keys fobs.
Cut and copy car keys.
Repair damaged or broken car keys.
Open locked vehicles.
Repair and change damaged vehicle locks.

Car insurance provider

Replacing your car keys using a car insurance provider may reduce the price of replacing your car keys. However, not all car manufacturers provide insurance for car keys replacement.

For those that cover the cost of car keys replacement, they come with terms and conditions. Nonetheless, you should know that when a car insurance provider replaces your lost key, it will affect your claim bonus.

Roadside assistance services

Roadside services can only replace your car keys depending on your car’s model. They do not carry sophisticated equipment like auto locksmiths and car insurance providers.

Hence, you must be sure they have the necessary equipment for your car model before engaging their services. However, roadside assistance services can be slow.

Brand dealers

The price of car key replacement using brand dealers can be high. However, they can only replace only certain car models as they do not have complete equipment to work with every model.

Instead, they specialize in car key replacement for a particular brand of vehicles. Also, they take a longer time to get damaged car keys replaced.

Local garage

Local garages charge more for their services, most especially when you are using diagnostic equipment. However, their choice of keys repairs and replacement is dependent on the car’s model. If you are lucky, your garage may have all the equipment for your car’s make and model.

FAQs About Car Key Replacement

Below are answers to some common questions about replacing car keys:

Are there guides to car key replacement?

Yes, there are. Some cars come with a guide that can help you manually program new car keys.

What is the cost of making a spare car key in Toronto?

The cost of making a spare car key in Toronto can range from $50 to $500. The cost is dependent on several factors.

Can a key fob be reprogrammed for another car?

Yes, a key fob can be reprogrammed to match a different car.

Can a locksmith make a spare car key from a picture?

Theoretically, yes it can be done. However, the VIN of the car is a more secure way for car keys replacements.

Final Verdict

The price of replacing your car key is dependent on factors like the model of your vehicle. In this article, we have discussed the different factors that affect the cost of car key replacement.

In the end, there are days where you absolutely have to cover the cost of car key replacement. For instance, if you lose your car keys, you have no choice but to get replacement keys.

Here at Car Key Replacement, we can make getting duplicate keys easier on your wallet. We offer speedy yet affordable car locksmith services in Toronto. Get in touch with us today!