5 Qualities People Are Looking For In Every Cost Replacement Car Key spare car key replacement of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.

It is more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.

Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.

Key blades feature two slits that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.

If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.


The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that's only available in car dealerships.

For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.