Smart is a German automotive brand and produces microcars and subcompacts. Smart is about fuel economy and efficiency. Even though Smart cars are small, Smart created the “tridion” safety cell to assure the City-Coupe could withstand impacts from exponentially bigger vehicles. Made from three layers of steel reinforced at strategic points, the cell was designed to absorb and redistribute crash energy away from the vehicle’s occupants. Side impacts are shielded by steel door beams and reinforced axles. Most popular smart models are the Fortwo and Forfour.
Most common Smart key is the remote head key. A key replacement starts from $329 for the first key and $249 for a spare.
Choose your model and year below for an estimated price.
If you need to get a key replacement, you have 3 options:
- Tow the car to the nearest dealership,
- Call a local locksmith that provides mobile service to come and make you a key on site,
- Order a key online and program it yourself.
The most time and cost-effective option is to call a locksmith, they would most likely have your type of key in stock and be able to drive to where the car is parked and make and program your new key for you on the spot. This whole process can take between 30 mins to 2 hours depending on your location, the complexity of the issue and the availability of the locksmith.
A dealer might charge less for the key. However, you’ll probably have to tow the car to the dealer so they can code/program the new key or remote, so the total price is usually higher. The whole process of going with the dealership or ordering online would take from a few days to up to 2 weeks. So, if timing is important, locksmith can get the job down within hours (even replacing an ignition!).
If you decided to call an automotive locksmith, remember to provide the exact year, make, and model, e.g. “I lost the key to 2016 Smart ForTwo”. This is important so the locksmith can check if he or she has the right key blank/ transponder key/ key fob.
- Transponder chip car key
- Non-transponder keys (mechanical)
Smart keys come in different types, it all depends on the year and model of your Smart. If you are unsure of the type of key you have or lost, contact your local locksmith, and provide your car details. The locksmith would be able to know the exact type of key you need.
We specialize in making replacement car keys for all Smart models. Whether you’ve lost your key or it’s damaged, need a spare or when your car’s ignition needs replacing / repairing.
To replace a Smart key, it can cost around $169 to $189. The price depends on:
- The type of key
- The car’s year of manufacture
- Your location or how far your car is parked
- Availability of the code to cut the new key
- Original ignition or not
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are probably the most important factors as they dictate whether you need a chip, a fob, push to start, remote, or a regular non-transponder key. Newer models have better security features and so you can expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key.
If your transponder key has a black plastic cover at the top, then it would have a chip in it that needs to be programmed onsite otherwise the car won’t start.
You can also find out whether the key needs to be programmed by looking at the year, make and model of the Smart.
Over the phone, you should describe the problem in detail and give the locksmith all the details even if you think it may not be relevant. It can speed up the process and make it more cost effective.
You should give your locksmith the full make, model, and year of the car. If you’re unsure, a VIN or vehicle identification number works too.
You should also give the locksmith the exact location your car is parked at. Either an address, a crossroad, or a business nearby.
You should also have a call back number and your phone near you, in case the locksmith calls to update you, or ask for help locating you.
You will need to show proof of ownership (i.e., car registration) and state ID.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the windshield near the steering wheel or on the inside of the front driver-side door.
If you think the ignition cylinder, door or trunk locks have been changed in the past (common with older cars), changing the locks mean that the locks now use different keys, and probably means that the code for the key may no longer be valid. So, inform the locksmith immediately, it may prevent them from cutting you a new key by code and will either get a new key cut manually or change the ignition or door/truck locks.