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7 Secrets About Cost Replacement Car Key That Nobody Will Tell You
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with 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 have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.


It's more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal 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 are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The key blades have two slits that permit the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and 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, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

auto car key replacement can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.

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

This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.

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