15 Things You've Never Known About Cost Replacement Car Key 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 get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer 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 the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.

Today, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. 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 have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.

It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves.

They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.

If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

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

www.g28carkeys.co.uk are generally only available through dealers. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or 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 between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.


Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.

Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as 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 end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.