How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's emergency car key replacement Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.

Before you lose your key, it is recommended to have a spare made. To make it easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. 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 come with transponders, or chips, which must be programmed correctly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a great feature to have because it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to turn your car on and then drive off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically higher than a traditional key, but only because it needs to be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally able to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best option since they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can give you a better rate.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are a bit more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.

It is important to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to determine if it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while you're doing errands or working.

If your key replacement car is laser-cut you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears 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 code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take keys. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in different dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. The "smart" key has 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 into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealership will charge, Replacement Car Keys Cost costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that is the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.