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 by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to purchase a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't come with a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed to work properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

It is important to determine the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specific tools, which are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key how.much is a replacement car key near to your car or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you an affordable price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next car. You will be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

It is important that you do not try to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been altered or opened. This will make it extremely hard to get Replacement Remote car keys parts, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, Replacement remote Car keys they feature a groove that is cut to a particular depth on the face of the key. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to identify whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you misplace your keys while at work or doing around.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.

Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.

Fobs

You might not have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it's better to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

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

Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that's the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.