10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Cost Replacement Car Key Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.


The type of key you have also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.

It is more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

The key blades have two slits which 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 key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.

It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.

Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. key replacement car

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.