How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.

It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge issue. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace lost keys.

The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.

Modern car keys include transponders or chips that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.

There are five types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with special tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is near to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.

A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which type of key works with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa Mobile Replacement Car Keys auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you lose your key while you're at work or doing for errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.

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

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand mobile Replacement car keys in case you happen to lose your car key. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done right.

Getting your car key fob changed can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you drive and Mobile replacement Car keys if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked into a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement car key fob from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that's the same year, model and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.