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.

If you lose your keys it is a good idea to have a spare. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.

There are five different types of car keys available, so it's crucial to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with special tools that are available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.

A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular key but that's only because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming a transponder key, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it also. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car.

It is essential that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see indications that your car has been tampered with or forced to open. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or Replacement Car Keys Cost steal than a traditional key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. When you look at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while doing errands or working.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able make you the replacement key laser-cut because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

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

Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car key. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to get it tow back to the dealership.

Fobs

You might not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

Getting your car key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.

Losing 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 so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in various shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that has the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.