A Look Inside Cost Replacement Car Key's Secrets Of Cost Replacement Car Key Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to understand the various costs associated with. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.

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

Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic 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 unlock the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.

It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.

Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. car key replacement is not something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.


It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, 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-$250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and kind of key.

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. 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 used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.