How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys, it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make this more convenient we've created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's much more costly to replace keys lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to function correctly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer service professional.

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

There are five different types of car key replacement online keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The second type of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have since it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and then drive off with it.

The cost of a new transponder keys is typically higher than a traditional key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and Replacement car Keys cost could be able to give you an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you, especially if they see indications that your vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. This can make it very hard to get a replacement, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a specific depth along 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 so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or doing errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith uses an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the key's metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronics or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience However, now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves can take keys. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your car.