How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace the car keys lost replacement key.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace lost keys.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.

It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert 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 next type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specialized tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to connect with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your car or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next car keys replacement cost. You should be able to figure out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to open the door car keys lost Replacement of your vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or damaged. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a particular depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or doing for errands.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you have access to your car again without having to pay to have it tow back to the dealership.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can take keys. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob like a switchblade, car Keys lost replacement which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing a replacement keys for cars aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that has the same model, year and make as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.