Spare Car Key Kenner, LA
A spare car key costs from $5 for a basic mechanical cut up to $400 for a smart key, depending on whether it needs a chip programmed — a basic metal-only key with no electronics is the cheapest option, while any key with a transponder chip or remote needs programming on top of cutting.
Getting a spare before you need one is one of the cheaper insurance policies available for a car, and far less stressful than sorting it out during a lockout.
What kind of spare do you need?
| Key type | Needs programming? | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic metal key, no chip (older vehicles) | No | $5–$15 |
| Transponder key (chip, no remote) | Yes | $125–$250 |
| Remote/fob key | Yes | $150–$400, see key fob replacement |
Most vehicles made after the mid-2000s use a transponder chip even on a basic-looking key, so it is worth checking rather than assuming a spare is a simple metal cut.
Why a spare is worth having before you need it
- Lockouts happen at the worst times — a spare in a wallet or with a trusted person removes the wait entirely.
- It is cheaper now than later. Adding a spare with a working key present is simpler and less expensive than replacing a lost key with no backup.
- Family members with their own schedule benefit from not sharing one key between several drivers.
What to bring
- Vehicle registration
- Photo ID
- Your existing working key, if the spare is being cut from it rather than programmed fresh
Getting a spare made
Tell us the make, model and year, and whether you want a basic key or one with a remote. Ranges are on the prices page, and full detail on the broader service is on car key replacement.