How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's emergency car key replacement Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

Before you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key for about $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, replacement car keys cost like the local locksmith or car dealer service professional.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you 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.

It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific 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 car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter to start your car and drive away with it.

A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car.

No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential 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 will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your car has been opened or damaged. This could make it hard to get replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to lose or steal than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're working or doing around.

If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key.

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

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for Replacement Car Keys Cost a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

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

It used to be that losing your car key was a pain however, it's now an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves are able to steal keys. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement car key fob from a firm like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to 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, model and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.