How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys It is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make this easier, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it is much more costly to replace keys lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key does not have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.

It's crucial to know the type of car key you have before seeking help. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the car's model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it must be programmed as well. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program a transponder key, but it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best option because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will provide you with a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to open the door of your car yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car key. This way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to get it tow-back at the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming, however it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that the fob goes missing or is stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and Replacement Car Keys Cost could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement car key from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for various vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.