How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

If you lose your keys it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make this easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

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

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

There are five types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before getting help with replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits 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 duplicated using 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 make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your cheap Car keys replacement. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have since it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this also. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

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, because they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your car.

Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe indications that your car has been forced open or altered. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you lose your key while you're at work or running around.

If you have an uncut laser key, you will need to contact a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In most cases, your local hardware store will not be able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your car.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's a good idea 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 to contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you can have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it is generally better to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in your specific car and can ensure that it's done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.

The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and cheap car keys replacement may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement keys for car from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program various vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that has the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.