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 order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the price to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed correctly. This can only by done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe.

It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on your car's model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is placed close to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and replacement car keys cost the transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it.

Transponder keys cost for replacement car key a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can give you a better rate.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out what type of key works with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools 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 were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been damaged or opened. This can make it very difficult to obtain replacement keys car parts, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to identify if it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call an expert locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to create the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the metal of the key. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your car.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronics or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you can have access to your car again without needing to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge problem. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys come in different dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that has the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into 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 such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that offers programming for many 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 you purchase a fob and a key that has the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.