How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

When you lose your key it is recommended to make a backup. To make this more convenient we've 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 issue. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.

There are five different types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specialized tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, encoskr.com based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed close to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.

A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular one, but that's only because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, Online it will not work in your car.

Whatever type of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been opened or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key car replacement is much more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth on the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

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

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't 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 need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that 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, but now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves can take keys. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key features 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 tucked in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for various vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that has the same model, year and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.