Car Key Copy, Clone or Duplicate: What Works?
Copy, clone and duplicate sound the same but are not. What each means for a car key, which ones work on a modern car, and why programming is the reliable route.
People ask for a copy, a duplicate or a clone of a car key as if they were the same thing. They are not, and the difference decides whether the new key opens the door, starts the engine, or does nothing at all. This is what each word means for a car key in Hamilton and the Waikato.
A duplicate: the metal only
A duplicate is a cut copy of the blade. A hardware-store counter or a key kiosk can do this for a plain metal key, and it works for a house key, a padlock or an older car with no immobiliser. On a car with a chip it will turn in the lock but it will not start the engine, which is the point covered in can Bunnings or Mitre 10 cut your car key.
A copy: cut and paired to the car
On most cars built in the last fifteen years or so, a proper copy means two jobs: cutting the blade, and programming the chip or electronics so the car recognises the new key. That is cutting and coding, and it is what we do when we make you a spare at your vehicle. Cutting, coding and programming explained breaks the steps down.
A clone: copying the chip itself
Cloning copies the data from one chip onto another so the new key behaves like the original. It can work on certain older chip types, but it does not suit many newer systems, and it leaves the car with two keys it cannot tell apart. Where we can, we program a new key to the car instead, which works on far more vehicles and lets the car know exactly which keys it should accept.
Which one you actually need
For a plain metal key on an older car, a duplicate is enough. For a chip key you need cutting and programming. For a smart or proximity key, the key has to be supplied and programmed to the vehicle, and cloning is rarely the answer. If you are not sure which you have, give us the make, model and year and we will confirm before anyone travels.
What it costs
A plain metal key is an estimated $10–$20, a transponder key cut and coded is $120–$180, and a smart or proximity key is $280–$600, depending on the make, model and year. Those are starting points, and a firm price for your vehicle comes before we set out.
Do it while you still have a key
Copying from a working key is quick. Once every key is lost, the key has to be generated from the vehicle, which is $250–$550. A spare car key cut and coded at your home or workplace in Hamilton is the simple fix, and our key cutting page covers the rest.
Common questions
Can you copy a car key with a chip in it?
Yes. We cut the blade and program the chip to your car, so the new key starts the engine as well as turning the lock.
Can Bunnings or a key kiosk copy my car key?
They can cut a plain metal blade but cannot program a chip. On a car with an immobiliser the new key will turn but not start it.
Is cloning a car key better than programming a new one?
Not usually. Cloning only works on some older chips, while programming a new key to the car works on far more vehicles.
How much does it cost to duplicate a car key in Hamilton?
It depends on the key type. A plain metal car key is an estimated $10–$20, a transponder key cut and coded is $120–$180, and a smart or proximity key is $280–$600, depending on the make, model and year.