How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to order an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the price to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

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

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for around $50 or replacement car keys cost less. However, this type of key doesn't come with a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car key replacement price keys have transponders or chips which must be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.

It's important to identify the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and Replacement Car Keys Cost start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it discourages 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.

The cost of a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you a more competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You will be able to figure out what type of key will work with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your car has been opened or damaged. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able create a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car keys. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is generally best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

Getting your car key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob gets 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, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can take keys. The advances in technology for 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 comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealer 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 be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith car key replacement cost and key specialist that offers programming for various vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you around $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that's the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.