Five Reasons To Join An Online Cost Replacement Car Key And 5 Reasons Not To Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to understand the various costs that are involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

key replacement car can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.

Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys available these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.

It is essential that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.


Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is advisable to find locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.