How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the price to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace a lost key.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip in a modern car will usually Cost of replacement car key you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.

There are five distinct types of car keys available, so it's crucial to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or car key replacement online dealer has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, cost of replacement car Key since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.

A transponder key is slightly more than a regular key, but that's only because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it also. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you a more competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.

Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been altered or Cost of Replacement Car Key forced open. This will make it extremely hard to get a replacement, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you lose your keys while at work or running around.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able make you the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronics or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you can have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it tow back to the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming, however it's better to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.