How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

If you lose your keys it is a good idea to make a backup. To make it easier we've created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could 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.

An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it in a safe place.

It's important to identify the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, they are available at your local home improvement store for mobile car key replacement near me $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that transmits 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 is only possible with specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away.

The cost of a brand new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. This can make it very difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile car key replacement Near me auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a particular depth in the middle of the face of the key. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to determine if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you misplace your keys while at work or running for errands.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In most cases your local hardware store isn't able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ a machine that appears like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your mobile car key replacement just in the event of. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car without a key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming, however it is generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern cars have made keys so easy to use and Mobile Car Key Replacement Near Me strong that thieves are able to steal them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that's the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.