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 get back on the roads.

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

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key for about $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

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

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

There are five types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using special tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on your car's model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed close to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it.

A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and will give you a better rate.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key will work with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. They are a little more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your car.

It is essential to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help you out, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car with a laser-cut key car replacement, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a specific depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from the top. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands.

If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you the replacement keys for cars key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car key. That way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you'll have access to your car without having to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership.

Fobs

You might not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with your particular car, which can ensure it's done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can steal keys. The advancements in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you around $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that has the same year, model and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.