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.

Before you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare made. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends 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 one and can only be done with special tools, which are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost replacement car key of this service can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is near to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have as it deters theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it.

The cost of a brand repairer new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with the most competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.

It is important to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been forced open or altered. This could make it hard to get an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth along the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or running errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you have access to your car without having to pay to have it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

You may not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can take keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering a replacement car key fob aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and repairer fob that has the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.