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15 Things You've Never Known About Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, 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 machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as car keys replacement cost have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves.

Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches 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 deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.


It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.

Homepage: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-replacements-near-me/