How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

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 the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip in modern cars can cost you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.

It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your car. They're not as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert 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 basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed close to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a great feature because it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to start your car and take it away.

A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular key however, this is because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able find out what type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, Replacement Car Keys Cost because they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car.

It is crucial that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice indications that your car was opened or altered. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. This makes it very easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you misplace your key while you're working or running around.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's best to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car key was a hassle, but now it's an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car replacement key key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

These new keys come in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that has the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company which offers programming for 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. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.