How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.

It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make this easier we've created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace keys lost.

An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually 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 in a safe place.

It's important to identify the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is a great feature because it stops theft. However, it makes stealing your car keys replacement much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it.

A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you the most competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.

Regardless of what type of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a certain depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're at work or doing for errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store isn't able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.

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

Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronics or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

Keep a spare car key in your possession just in case of. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you so that you can have access to your car again without having to pay to have it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your particular car and can ensure that it's done right.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal them. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys come in different shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself up to $200 or cost of replacement car keys more. Make sure you buy the fob and cost of replacement car keys key that is the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.