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 by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make it easier, we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car key button replacement dealer professional in service.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid 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, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder with an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to start your car and drive away with it.

Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and can give you a better rate.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are a bit more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.

No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your car was opened or tampered with. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or cost of replacement car keys get stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to determine 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 being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're working or running for errands.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact an expert locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith uses an instrument that appears like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronics or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. You can then call a 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 to the dealer.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it's best to let your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done right.

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

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealer will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.