20 Things Only The Most Devoted Cost Replacement Car Key Fans Understand Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keyless car key replacement can also increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was just a problem. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.


A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.

Fobs with transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The key blades have two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.

If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal because 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 are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.

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

This is why it is best to hire locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, 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. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.