How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make it easier we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This how.much is a replacement car key because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional.

The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent 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, so it's crucial to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is near to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have since it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter to start your car and drive away with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key will work with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car.

It is essential to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your car was opened or damaged. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will cut 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 according to the specifications of your car key fob replacement.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronics or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Keep a spare car key in your car just in the event of. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is usually best to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have and Replacement Car Keys Cost can ensure that it's done correctly.

Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for Replacement Car Keys Cost less than the price a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your car.