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.

It is a good idea to purchase an extra 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 that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.

Modern car key replacement online keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.

There are five types of car keys available, so it's important to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular, but they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle 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 copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically higher than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.

Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial that you do not attempt to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your vehicle has been opened or altered. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're working or doing around.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store will not be able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they do not have electronics or Car key replacement online chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is the reason 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 on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you'll have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

You might not have an old classic car key replacements, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly.

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

It used to be that losing your car key was a pain however, it's now an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, car key Replacement Online training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Just make sure 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.