The People Nearest To Cost Replacement Car Key Tell You Some Big Secrets Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Nowadays it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.

You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

key car replacement of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made 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 a problem. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

The key blades have two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.


It is important that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within 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 in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are typically only available from dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs with 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 then are released when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.

These wholly electronic car keys 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 will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.

It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.