How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.

It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip that is used in modern cars can 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 secure.

It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. The key how.much is a replacement car key equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using special tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is near to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular one, however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key will work with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change 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've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they observe indications that your car replacement keys was opened or altered. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit won't be able create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, replacement which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it tow back to the dealership.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain, but now it's an actual issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for replacement thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare key fob that works in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that has the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.