How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.

It is a good plan to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car key fobs replacement dealer professional in service.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in a modern car will usually 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 in a safe place.

There are five kinds of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your car, or inserted into the ignition, 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 more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter to start your car and take it away.

Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this also. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key will work with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. These are a bit more complicated because they require a particular key tool 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 if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.

It is crucial that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they observe indications that your car was opened or damaged. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or doing for errands.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store won't be able make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case. That way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to get it tow back by the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process however it's best to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed 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 as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of replacement Car key of a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern cars have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in different shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. 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 that can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.