If you’ve been locked out of your car and are wondering how much it will cost to get a new one, you’re not alone. Locksmiths charge a lot for their services, and you’ll have to pay more if you need the key made immediately. If you have an older car, chances are your locksmith doesn’t have a blank or key code database to use to create a new one.

Depending on the make and model of your car, you may be surprised to learn that a locksmith can cut a key by impression. This method is incredibly difficult to master, which is why not many locksmiths can do it. For example, an older Ford might come with 200 different keys, but only one of them will fit into the ignition and doors. That means your locksmith will have to try each one in order to find the right one. In addition, it will take quite a while to get the key that fits perfectly.

The cost of a locksmith’s work depends on several factors, including the price of the key itself. Some locksmiths sell only original keys made by the manufacturer, while car dealerships offer aftermarket replacement keys. These replacement keys can save you ten to twenty percent of the cost. Some type of locksmiths are cheaper than others, but you’ll still have to pay the same quality. If you don’t have an original key, it’s likely that you’ll have to pay a premium.

Some locksmiths offer discounts if you book an appointment during their regular business hours. By doing this, you can save on gas and time for the locksmith, so if you can wait until normal business hours, this could save you anywhere from $100 to 150 dollars. Alternatively, if you’re unable to drive yourself to the locksmith’s office, you can try to schedule an appointment with one within the same day, and then wait until the locksmith has the time to fix the problem.

The cost of car key duplication varies depending on the type of blank that’s used, how many times it’s duplicated and how long it takes. The more precise the key cut, the more expensive it will be. If you’re lucky enough to have only one functioning key, you can make a duplicate using a spare shell and other parts of the car. This will save you the cost of a replacement key – and your wallet.

As long as you know the make and model of your car, you can probably find a locksmith who can help you make a new car key for you. However, if you have a transponder car key, this will cost more than just a normal car key. The programming can be expensive, and will add up to about $100 or more. Regardless of which method you choose, make sure you know what the locksmith will charge you.