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What Is It That Makes Cost Replacement Car Key So Popular?
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.

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

Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively affordable. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.

It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car 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 could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device 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 can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys


Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If auto replacement key does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.

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