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5 Clarifications On 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. replacement key fobs for cars can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

These days however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

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

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when 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 of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

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

It's more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with cars, including 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 these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience.


If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard 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 need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.

Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it more difficult 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.

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 excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start 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.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.

Read More: https://www.karolsantos.top/automotive/the-ultimate-guide-to-finding-car-key-replacement/