How to Get a Duplicate Car Key or Fob (Without Dealership Prices)
- by Joe Weber - updated on 7/24/2026
Key Takeaways / TL;DR
- Instant Lockout Relief: A spare key kept at home or with a trusted friend saves you from expensive emergency locksmith fees.
- Reduces Wear and Tear: Rotating between two keys extends the lifespan of both your physical keys and your remote's internal buttons.
- Massive Cost Savings: Getting a duplicate key made proactively at Batteries Plus costs up to 50% less than waiting until you lose your only key and have to go to a dealership.
- Boosts Resale Value: Dealerships and private buyers expect two keys; having a duplicate ready prevents deductions from your vehicle's trade-in value.
Prevention is key. Okay, bad puns aside, most of us never think about the importance of having an extra car key until it's too late. What happens if you lose your keys, lock them in your car, or your key fob gets damaged? You'll be forced to pay for an emergency locksmith, an expensive tow truck, or maybe even the cost of a new car window.
The best way to avoid all this? Keep a duplicate car key or fob on hand in case of an emergency.
What are the Benefits of Keeping a Duplicate Key or Remote?
Having a backup car key is about more than just dodging an accidental lockout. From protecting your vehicle's ignition system to saving you money down the road, keeping a duplicate remote or key on hand offers several highly practical benefits. Here are the top reasons why investing in a spare key today pays off tomorrow:
1. Never Be Locked Out of Your Car
Lockouts are much more common than you might think. That's why it's a great idea to keep a duplicate car key in a place that's easy to get to, such as at your home, with a friend or family member, or safely tucked away at work.
2. It Helps Prevent Key and Fob Damage
Over time, keys, fobs, and remotes naturally begin to wear out. When traditional metal keys begin to degrade, they become prone to snapping and can even inflict damage on your car's ignition lock cylinder. Electronic fobs and remotes can also experience issues with their battery terminal contacts, buttons, and outer shells. Having a duplicate key or smart fob on hand allows you to switch between the two to prevent excessive wear and extend their life.
3. It's Convenient for Shared Vehicles
If your vehicle is used by more than one person, it's much easier to provide each driver with their own key or fob. This prevents you from constantly having to pass them back and forth—saving you time and dramatically lowering the chance of the keys getting misplaced or dropped.
4. Avoid Extra Costs During the Trade-in Process
If you decide to trade your vehicle in or sell it to a private buyer, you will almost always be asked for a duplicate key or remote. If you don't have one, the dealership will often deduct the inflated cost of a replacement from your trade-in value. Having that second key ready protects your bottom line.
How Long Do Key Fob Batteries Last?
The battery in your remote or key fob typically lasts between two and four years.
One pro-tip to get the longest life possible out of your battery is to store your fob completely out of your vehicle's signal range when you aren't driving. Keeping a proximity fob too close to your vehicle (like on a hook in the garage or right by the front door) will drain the battery much faster. This happens because the fob and your vehicle's internal computer are constantly communicating with each other, keeping the system active and running down the battery.
Professional Key Fob Battery Replacement Services
If your remote is starting to lose its range, or you find yourself pressing the buttons multiple times just to unlock your doors, it's likely time for a fresh battery. While you can attempt to pry open the plastic casing yourself, doing so without the right tools can easily scratch the casing, break the tiny plastic clips, or damage the delicate circuit board inside.
At Batteries Plus, we offer fast, professional key fob battery replacement services to keep you moving. When you visit us, you can choose between two convenient options:
- Single Battery Replacement: Our team will safely open your key fob, clean any minor dirt from the contacts, install a premium, long-lasting replacement battery, and test the signal to make sure it's working perfectly before you leave.
- Lifetime Key Fob Battery Replacement Program: This is our most popular option! For a one-time upfront payment (which is only slightly more than a single replacement), we will replace your key fob's battery for free for as long as you own your vehicle. If your fob dies next year, or even three years from now, simply walk into any Batteries Plus location and we'll swap it out at no extra charge.
How Much Does It Cost to Duplicate a Car Key?
If you've ever had to replace a lost car key, you already know that the sticker shock can be real. Car key replacement costs can vary wildly depending on where you go and the technology your vehicle requires. To help you weigh your options and find the most budget-friendly solution, here is a quick look at how the most common duplication routes stack up:
| Service Provider | Estimated Cost | Processing Time | Conveniences Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Dealership | $150 – $500+ | Days to Weeks (Appointment required) | OEM parts, but premium pricing |
| Emergency Locksmith | $200 – $400+ | Variable (Depends on arrival) | Mobile service, high emergency fees |
| Batteries Plus | Up to 50% Less | In under an hour (Walk-in) | Quick duplication, battery replacement plans |
At a traditional car dealership, a replacement key fob can cost anywhere from $150 to over $500 depending on your vehicle's make and model. Plus, dealerships often require you to make an appointment and wait days or weeks for the part to arrive.
Batteries Plus cuts replacement keys, replaces fob batteries, and programs replacement remotes much faster and cheaper than dealerships. We can typically program and cut your new key fob in about an hour, right in the store, and at up to 50% off dealership prices.
Does My Batteries Plus Store Offer Key Services?
It's incredibly easy to check whether your local store replaces keys and key fobs. Just visit our online Store Locator. Select your state and city, then click on the "Details" button for your specific location. Participating stores will have "Key Fob" listed right under the "Services" section.
We also offer a number of other convenient automotive services to keep you moving, including professional vehicle battery installation (available at most locations for most makes and models) and free car battery testing. Before you head out, check out our Automotive Center for a wide selection of vehicle essentials, including battery chargers, jumper cables, headlight bulbs, and windshield wiper blades.
Need a duplicate car key or key fob? Find your local Batteries Plus and shop our key services today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you get a duplicate car key made without the original?
A: Yes, you can get a duplicate car key made even if you have lost the original. A professional can use your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to access the manufacturer's key code, allowing them to precisely cut and program a brand-new key or fob from scratch.
Q: Can Batteries Plus program a key fob?
A: Yes, Batteries Plus can program replacement key fobs, smart keys, and remote entry clicks for a wide variety of vehicle makes and models. Our in-store experts use specialized diagnostic equipment to program the fob to your car's computer, usually in under an hour.
Q: How much does it cost to replace a key fob?
A: While a dealership may charge between $200 and $500, a replacement key fob at Batteries Plus typically costs significantly less—often saving you up to 50% off dealership prices. Exact pricing varies based on your car's year, make, model, and whether it requires a standard key, a transponder key, or a smart proximity fob.
Q: Can I replace the battery in my key fob myself?
A: Yes, you can replace a key fob battery yourself using a small flathead screwdriver to open the fob casing and swapping out the button cell battery (usually a CR2032 or CR2025). However, if you want to avoid damaging the internal circuit board or plastic clips, you can bring it to Batteries Plus. We offer quick battery replacement services and even a Lifetime Key Fob Battery Replacement program.