
Why are Replacement Car Keys so Expensive?
Posted 01/29/21 by Joe Mckay

Any motorist knows that replacement car keys are expensive, but many do not understand why modern keys cost so much money. Today, replacement car keys cost an average of £215 depending on your vehicle’s make, model and age. This cost is 29% higher than it was in 2013, but invariably an automotive locksmith tends to be cheaper than the dealer when it comes to replacement keys.
The simple answer is that years ago, car keys and vehicular security was much less advanced. Today’s car keys have come a long way in terms of technology with the progress of immobiliser systems to prevent car theft and the marriage of transponder chips to a basic key meaning that not every locksmith can provide new car keys. What is more is that your modern automotive locksmith requires an intricate knowledge of vehicle programming.
Modern Car Key Tech is Complicated

Car keys now interact with the immobiliser so your modern auto-locksmith needs to be able to deal with a variety of computer systems within your vehicle and even deal with EEPROM work. EEPROM is the process of removing and reprogramming or replacing chips within your car’s immobiliser module in order to program a key, so automotive locksmiths have a fairly tough and highly skilled job, add to that the cost of parts and equipment, some of which can cost thousands of pounds, and it becomes a little easier to see why car keys cost a lot.
Going to your dealership to get a replacement car key may seem like the natural thing to do, but respected auto locksmiths can offer the same services at a better price, due to our ability to source dealer-quality products at a lower cost and without the prestige fee. This isn’t due to dealers having a better-quality product and in fact, many locksmiths source their products from the same manufacturers! It is more a case of a monopolistic hold on the industry that dealers often enjoy.
As the East Midlands’ premier auto locksmith, 3D Autokeys understands why drivers might baulk at the idea of spending more than £100 for a new car key, but this is why we add value to our services by providing friendly, well trained technicians that come to you. They even give you a call 30 minutes before they’re due to arrive and the price we quote is the price you pay and we bet it is cheaper than the dealer. In this article, we explore the reasons why car key replacement from auto locksmiths are cheaper than the dealer.
Some Insurance Policies Allow You to Claim for Replacement Car Keys
If your car keys are stolen, then you may be able to claim the cost of the replacement keys back from your insurance provider. Check that your policy will cover the cost to replace your car keys, as well as any other costs. If you’re not sure if the policy offers cover for auto locksmith services, then ask your insurance provider for advice. They can discuss what the policy covers and help you to get the money back for some or all of the locksmith services you needed.
Car insurance providers don’t usually reimburse drivers for lost car keys, so you should try to avoid losing your car keys where possible.
Modern cars come with a spare key that you can use in an emergency, but you should always try to find your lost car keys as quickly as possible or promptly get a replacement key as no one likes to be left locked out of their vehicle.
If you believe that your lost car keys are in a public place, where anyone could access them, or believe that they have been stolen, then you should call an emergency auto locksmith to get them to remove the lost key from your car’s immobiliser. This will ensure that your vehicle is secure and anyone who has the key won’t be able to access it.
They can then give you a replacement car key, which might cost a bit, but the service will give you peace of mind that your vehicle is secure and that you will be able to use it if you need it.
Automotive locksmiths also repair your car keys, so if you have a damaged key then they will assess whether you need a replacement key or just a repair. You can check with your insurance provider if they will cover the cost. They may allow you to claim the cost of getting replacement car keys in an emergency.
Using an Auto Locksmith Can Save You Money

Owning a car is a costly endeavour, so, understandably, you might want to save money in any area you can, but car keys aren’t the place to be tight with your cash. Calling out an automotive locksmith could end up costing more than than you initially expect as there are often service charges for out of hours and some locksmiths (not us) will also charge extra to come to you, so it is best to have a spare key at all times.
Whilst you can get a replacement car key from your car dealership, you might find that the cost is significantly higher than if you use an auto locksmith, plus the wait will almost always be longer. As auto locksmiths like us are independent, we can offer you the same service as your dealer but for a fraction of the cost. We have the experience of making new keys for the vast majority of vehicles, but we don’t charge a high mark-up for the service.
At 3D Autokeys, we aim to offer you all of the replacement car key and auto locksmith services that modern drivers need, and at an affordable price. We have a wide range of solutions and our technicians can help with everything from new car keys to vehicle security services and beyond.
Our team will guide you every step of the way and we cover a selection of vehicle types, including cars, vans, motorbikes and others. Almost every brand out there is catered for by our automotive locksmith experts, so you can get a key cut for all of your vehicles from one provider when you give us a call. We will give you exceptional service, at a price that suits you, so you can save money and keep your vehicle secure.
So, the next time you need to get a replacement key for your vehicle or you lose them, get a quote from 3D Autokeys. We cover most locations throughout the East Midlands, so we can help you to get back on the road quickly when your keys are lost or stolen, or if your car security is compromised in any way.
Get in touch, and get a quote today. Our locksmiths are here for any emergency or project, and our team will give you friendly and accurate advice on any of our auto locksmith services.
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