How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace keys lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and store it safely.

There are five kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know the type you have before seeking help to replace it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or car key replacement online dealer has access to. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically higher than a standard key, but only because it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and can offer you a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key works with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your car was opened or altered. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to lose or steal than a key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.

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

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally better to have your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are knowledgeable about your specific car key replacement service near me, which can ensure it's done right.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, however the one with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program many different vehicles. You might find that you can program and replacement cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that has the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.