How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace keys lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure.

It's crucial to know the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car keys replacement cost, since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on and Replacement Car Keys Cost take off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, Replacement Car Keys Cost but it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out what type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car.

It is essential to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. This could make it hard to get a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth along the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when you look 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 misplace your key while you're working or doing for errands.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store won't be able make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle without needing to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process however it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your specific car and can ensure that it's done correctly.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that the fob goes missing or is stolen.

Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than the price a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that is the same model, year and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.