How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it safe.

It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and then drive off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder key is usually higher than a conventional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be able to program the transponder key, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it also. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and can offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next car. You will be able to figure out which kind of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your car.

It is crucial to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been damaged or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running around.

If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the key's metal, cost of replacement car keys which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it's better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost up to $500, depending on the kind of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. The "smart" key comes with 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. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealership to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement keys car from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.