How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it is much more costly to replace lost keys.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost of replacement car key you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

There are five distinct types of car keys available, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is near to your vehicle or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this also. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your car was opened or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile replacement car keys auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. 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 set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you misplace your keys while at work or doing for errands.

If you own a laser-cut key, Replacement Car Keys Cost then you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store will not be able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.

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

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, Replacement Car Keys Cost laser-cut keys don't have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car key. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with your specific car and can ensure that it's done right.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that the fob goes missing or is stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can take keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealership to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.