How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier, we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind 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 come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it safe.

It's important to identify the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The next type is the transponder car key replacement online key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or Replacement Car Keys Cost a dealer in the car industry has access to. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to connect 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 begin. This is a great feature to have as it deters 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 costs just a bit more than a regular key but that's only because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key works with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in 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 could make mechanics reluctant to help, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. This can make it very hard to get a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you lose your keys while working or running for errands.

If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact an expert locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to provide you with the replacement car key fobs key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic components or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key.

Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case of. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start your car without a key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

The cost for replacement car key of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car key was a pain However, now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for various vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.