How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

When you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare. To make this more convenient, we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.

The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle 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 accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and then drive off with it.

Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it has to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best choice since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will give you a better rate.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next car. You will be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

It is crucial to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to help you out in the event of indications that your vehicle has been damaged or opened. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store will not be able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will use an instrument that appears like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. That 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 tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able 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's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which 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. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you as much as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.