5 Clarifications On Cost Replacement Car Key

· 6 min read
5 Clarifications On Cost Replacement Car Key

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices.  key replacement car  stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

Key fobs became popular during the  1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.

It's more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer.

Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

It is crucial that the place cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added 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 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in 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 car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.


Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

It is advisable to find locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.