How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

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

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace lost keys.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. However, [Redirect-302] this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders or chips that must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.

The cost of having 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 always have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure.

It's important to identify 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. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed close to your car or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car replacement keys to begin. This is a great feature because it deters theft. It also makes it more 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.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. They are a little more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been forced open or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch 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 the top it's easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or doing around.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In most cases your local hardware store will not be able to create an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will use an instrument that appears like a regular drill to cut the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are 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 call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, however the one with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.