How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to make a backup. To make this more convenient we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it is much more costly to replace keys lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, which must be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer service professional.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you always have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place.

It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car key replacement cost as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will give you a better rate.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which type of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your car.

No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car has been forced open or altered. This can make it very hard to get an exchange, so make certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to lose or steal than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and replacement car keys the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in case of. Then, you can call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start the car without a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it is generally better to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

The cost of 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 a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's a major issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, however the one with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.