How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car Key replacement price keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the cost to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge issue. You could buy an extra and Car Key Replacement Price put it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more expensive to replace keys lost.

An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.

There are five distinct kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common, but they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with specialized tools that are only accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your vehicle, or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic car key replacement code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.

Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key but that's only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key will work with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

It is essential that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

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 be stolen than a conventional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth on the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your key while you're at work or doing for errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they do not have electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

Keep a spare car key in your car just in case of. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done right.

Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can steal keys. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, similar to an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that's the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.