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 roads.

If you lose your keys It is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make this more convenient, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, Emergency Car Key Replacement Near Me automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace lost keys.

The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. 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 are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.

It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A more traditional, older car key has 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, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can 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 vehicle. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have since it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and then drive off with it.

A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular key, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are a bit more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are more secure because 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 car.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice indications that your car was opened or damaged. This will make it extremely hard to get replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while at work or doing errands.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create the replacement key laser-cut because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith uses an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your car.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means that they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process however it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done correctly.

The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost of replacement car key as much as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that the fob goes missing or is stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience however, it's now a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with the transponder and Emergency Car Key Replacement Near Me mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare key fob that works in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.