How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a list on how much it costs to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest car key replacement option. They are usually able to 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.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, Cost Replacement Car Key that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it safe.

There are five kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. They're not as common however, you should be able to 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 that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin 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 a dealer can access. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed close to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

Transponder keys cost replacement car key a little bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming the transponder key, however it is best to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to offer you the most competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as 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 if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.

It is crucial that you do not try to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or altered. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to take or lose than a traditional key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while doing errands or working.

If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle again, without needing to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are well-versed in your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's a smart key or cost replacement car Key a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that is the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.