Replacement car key. Outrageous cost!

A question about : Replacement car key. Outrageous cost!

I need to replace a broken key for my Alfa 156. I have been given a cost, by the dealer, of Ј190. This is unbelievable..............
Their excuse is that the keys are computer chipped, no longer can you just go and get one cut.

I cannot afford this. Is there a cheaper alternative.

You comments will be appreciated.

Best answers:

• we had this on holiday, my darling other half went swimming in the sea with it in his trunks...doh! not included in insurance of course, so we ended up paying over 250 euros for replacement and taxies to pick it up! ouch!
• Can't offer any advice, can only sympathise and hope someone has a solution as tried to get spare keys yesterday for both my kids cars.
  One has a Seat, that was about Ј100 and takes 5 days to come from spain.
  The other has a Ford Ka, that has to be a minimum of 3 keys at Ј25 each and Ј100 plus labour to reprogram the immobiliser, and VAt, so looking at about Ј250!
• My Nissan Almera key fob went through a 70 minute hot wash cycle 3 years ago. Still working to this day!! Sorry.
• Find an independent factor in your area and their prices will be about half or a little more.
• Hi,
  Hope this helps.
  i have a similar prob with a Ford Fiesta.
  The Key CAN be copied, tho and it'll cost only about £10.
  Problem is that the chip is required to turn off the alarm. The alarm picks the signal up from the chip embedded in the key so that when you enter the car the alarm does't sound and the immobiliser is de-activated.
  If you have ONE chipped key it can be permanently kept under the dash and the system will pick up the signal and remain off. This will enable you to use any key that fits to start and drive the car but to have the alarm turned on as well will require removing the 'Chipped' key.
  I assume this is the same with all of these chipped keys.
  You can either try it or chat to an auto-electrician who should be able to tell you if it'll work on your car.
  GL
• Your key is broken, the metal key bit is broke? snapped somehow, used it to pry open a jar of paint?
  Anyways, as long as the key 'handle' bit is intact, you can take your spare key to a keycutter and get a blank cut. if you don't have a spare key then they may be able to use your broken one.
  To use your new key, keep the broken key handle on the key ring and use your new key as normal.
• I have posted this before but its probably worth a reminder.
  Fords: To programme a new key you need two existing keys. Most people don't realise this until they have lost one key - then it is too late ! Your friendly Ford dealer will fix you up with a new key for £75 +.
  Go to Timpsons (or similar) and get a third key for your Ford - NOW
• Just following this thread with interest as we only have one key for our VW Polo. Does the same system apply for these keys too? We don't have an alarm, but do have an immobiliser and were told that the keys would cost a fortune as well. Could we keep the chip hidden in the car and use some cheap copies as well?
  Thanks
• i cant belive it when i bought my ka i only got one key!!!
  i so want a spare one so i can warm up car in morning hehe
  but looks like i will have to do without :confused:
• We have a fantastic locksmith type shop - they sell locks, cut keys etc but they also program keys.
  This does not help you but is there similar near to you.
• Addition to my previous post:- as soon as you have your third key, programme it in the car with the other two !
• With ford keys, we can copy them from the red master key for about £20, however if you do not have the master key it will cost you about £40-£50 cos you need a different cloning key, but better than £140 i was told by a customer who went to fords. A lot of VW keys are crypto coded and unfortunately main dealer jobs only.
• thanks marco, but where can you get this done??
• Key replacements these days are expensive. Most makes have fairly expensive replacement schemes. When you get your car, some manufacturers give you a piece of card (a scratch card) which has a number behind it used to enable another key to be easily created. If you have this, its fairly easy.
  AMO