How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on how much it costs to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before seeking help. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. They're not as common however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The second type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key replacement car is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your replacement car keys price to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it.

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

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key will work with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. These are more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to assist you, especially if they see indications that your vehicle has been altered or opened. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to steal or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a specific depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.

If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit won't be able make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of keys.

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

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in case of. That way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you have access to your car again without needing to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are knowledgeable about your particular car and can ensure that it's done right.

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. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take them. The advancements in car key replacement service near me key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement car keys with chips from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that has the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.