Feeling devestated over quote for new car key

[PinkPeonies22]

I managed to lose the electronic key for our mitsubishi car. A combination of sleep deprivation, work stress, and juggling with my toddler in tow. I have looked everywhere and checked various lost property offices. Anyway, I phoned up an approved dealer and they said it would be £500. I am staggered and just cannot believe it. Got a couple more quotes and they are the same. The actual key bit apparently is only £30,the rest is the electronic fob, pairing with the car, and VAT. i wish we could just get the metal key but car needs the electronic bit to work. I cant sleep and just cant cope with the thought of spending that much money on a car key.
Is this the normal cost nowadays? How do people manage?

If you can afford it, just ask to get a manual one. Much cheaper but obviously not as convenient, especially if you have young kids

I decided against a new key at £150. It had broken so I couldn't use it to open/close it remotely. I now open/close it the old fashioned way.

I recently got a quote for £150 from a local key replacement company

£240 from an auto locksmith a year ago when I lost my only key. That included pairing it...(or whatever its called) so it could be opened remotely. Shop around.

OP says that's not an option as the key needs the electronic bit to start.

And that is why when we lost one of our car keys we never replaced it.

Only have the one now.