How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

If you lose your keys, it is a good idea to have a spare. To make this easier we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more costly to replace lost keys.

The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.

There are five different types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed close to your car or Replacement car keys placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have because it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away.

A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

Whatever type of key you have, replacement car keys it is crucial that you never try to break into your own car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help you out in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key for car cost key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

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. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.

If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to call an expert locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle again, without needing to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done right.

The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. 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.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart" key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that has the same model, year and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.