The People Closest To Cost Replacement Car Key Share Some Big Secrets Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.

It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. key replacement for car cost make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that allow the key to be put 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 sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.


It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.

Contrary to the crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They can be destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.