How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

When you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make this more convenient we've created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest replacement car keys alternative. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.

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

It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to connect with your cheap car key replacement. When the key is near to your vehicle, or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn on your car and take it away.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to gain entry into your car yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your vehicle was opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth in the middle of the face of the key. When looking at the key from above it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're working or doing around.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

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

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to get it towed back by the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is generally best to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

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

It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience However, now it's a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, Replacement Key Fob For Car training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys come in a variety of dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement key Fob for car from a business like Amazon or replacement key fob For car a third-party key and lock specialist that can program your automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to the price a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.