How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to function properly. This can only by done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.

There are five different types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common, Replacement Car Keys Cost but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith car dealer. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

A transponder key is slightly more than a regular key, however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, replacement car keys cost however, because they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to help particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. It is 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 cheapest car key replacement with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth in the middle of the face of the key. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process but it's generally best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.

Getting your car key fob changed can cost as much as $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. The reason is that modern cars keys replacement have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in different dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.