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20 Reasons To Believe Cost Replacement Car Key Cannot Be Forgotten
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss.

This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past lost car keys was a problem. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.

It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.

the original source that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. 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 things even easier in the event of need.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

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 popular type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.


It is essential that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely need to pay 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 typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike car replacement key cost , 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. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the type of key.

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

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system 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 idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including 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 can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.

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