How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

When you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make it easier we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be done by a professional that knows what they are doing, such as 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, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.

It is important to determine the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specific tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is near to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it also. They are the best option since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to help in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement 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 more difficult 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 you look at the key from the top, it is easy to identify if it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not 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 an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you however it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car keys replacement cost and have all the necessary tools.

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

Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to take them. The advances in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.