How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

Before you lose your key it is an ideal idea to make a backup. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.

It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and key replacements for cars the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so also. They are the best option since they have the most experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

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

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential to never 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 indications that your car has been forced open or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key fobs for cars key replacements for cars, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth on the face of the key. This makes it very easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you lose your key while you're at work or running for errands.

If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to make you the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN and the key will be cut to match 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 must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you can have access to your car again without having to pay to get it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is generally best to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

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

It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience However, now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself around $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that's the identical model, year, key replacements for Cars and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.