20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Cost Replacement Car Key Fans Are Aware Of Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and does not need programming.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.

Today it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. vehicle key replacement could get an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

It is important that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.


They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not functioning.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

For this reason, it is best to hire a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.