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20 Reasons To Believe Cost Replacement Car Key Will Never Be Forgotten
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In automotive key replacement , you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.

You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was just a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. 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 for a small charge. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

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

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 not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The key blades have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.


It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

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

They are typically only available from dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The idea 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, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

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

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