How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.

It is a good plan to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key does not have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.

It's crucial to know the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key replacement cost key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is put into the ignition or remote placed close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and take off with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key however, this is because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you the most competitive price.

Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was copied, it will not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been opened or altered. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.

If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. In most cases, your local hardware store isn't able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will use a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

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

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand remote in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.

Fobs

You might not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain, but now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves can take them. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

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

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you may 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 discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that is the same year, model and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.