How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of keys to your car replacement keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make this easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement key for car cost car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.

An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

There are five different types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted 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 about $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to connect with their car. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn your car on and take it away.

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. Locksmiths are generally competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best option as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, replacement key for Car Cost as they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was copied, it will not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been opened or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running around.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store isn't able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your car.

Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not have electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you can have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it is generally better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and if it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to steal them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key features 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 get lost or put into a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself around $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.