How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more costly to replace lost keys.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.

It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off 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 start your car and drive away with it.

A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular one, but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and will provide you with a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.

It is essential that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see indications that your car has been forced open or altered. This will make it extremely hard to get a replacement, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. This makes it very easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're working or running around.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, replacement car keys cost you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys replacement for cars can be expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, replacement car keys cost so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without needing to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you however it's best to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. It's now a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for various vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.