How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to purchase a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a list on how much it costs to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or Replacement Car Keys Cost losing it was not a big deal. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for about $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 include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be 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 who is a service expert.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles 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.

There are five kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle'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 copied with special tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it.

The cost of a replacement car key of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically higher than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be able to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys and will give you a better rate.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You will be able to figure out which kind of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.

It is important that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they observe indications that your car has been opened or damaged. It is very difficult to get a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to take or lose than a traditional key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running for errands.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use a machine that appears like a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

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

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start the car without a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges which could save you around $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that has the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.