If you're in a pinch and need a new copy of your car key, Ace Hardware may be the better alternative over the dealership, but it depends on what car you own.

Ever lose a car key, or have one go bad after a few years? You probably dreaded asking the dealer for a new one, worried about the cost, with some keys and fobs costing $300 or more.

The cost of replacing lost car keys depends on factors like the car’s make and model, the type of keys, programming of the keys, key cutting, urgency of the replacement, location, etc.

If your car is less than five years old, you’ll probably have to go to a dealership. They have the expensive equipment required to program a new key fob.

Q: I want to get a key fob (I only have one) for my car. Can an aftermarket key fob be programmed by anyone other than the dealer? The dealer tells me it will cost $400 or slightly more.