How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys it is a good idea to make a backup. To make it easier we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys have transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.

The cost of car key replacement of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.

There are five different kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed 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 about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the car key fobs replacement's computers to open the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on your car's model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is a great feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and cost of replacement car keys may be able to provide you with a more competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key will work with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

It is important to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. This can make it very difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth in the middle of the face of the key. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to identify whether it's fake or not. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your car.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. That way you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to get it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start your car without having a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about your specific car and can ensure that it's done correctly.

Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle, but now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for cost of replacement car keys many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.