No one ever likes to lose their car keys. It’s a big hassle and it costs a lot to car locksmith tampa them. In the past, losing a key wasn’t much of an issue — most people had a spare attached to their cars in a little box or somewhere else on the vehicle. But, as cars have become more technologically advanced, car keys are becoming more expensive to replace. In fact, depending on the model and year of your car, replacing a lost key can cost hundreds of dollars.

Luckily, there are several ways to cut the cost of a car key repair or replacement. Here are some of the best options:

Find an Auto Locksmith

The most budget-friendly way to get a new car key is to go to an auto locksmith. On average, a locksmith will charge half as much to make you a duplicate key as it would cost to do it at the dealer.

When to Repair or Replace Your Car Key: A Guide for Car Owners

If your key fob is still in good shape, you can usually purchase a cheaper replacement from the internet or from a local hardware store. However, be sure to call around and check with different dealers and locksmiths to see who will be able to cut and program the new key for you.

Another great way to save money on a car key repair or replacement is to look into getting a high-security key. These types of keys are similar to regular car keys, but they have a microchip inside them that needs to be programmed in order for you to be able to drive the car.