How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get 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 the price to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace keys lost.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost of replacement car keys more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.

It is important to determine the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. 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 sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. It could cost you $500 or more based on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to start your car and drive away with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but that is because it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice since they have the most expertise in programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, Replacement Car Keys Cost however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

It is crucial to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth on the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're working or doing errands.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store isn't able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these types of key fobs.

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

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not have electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete 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 have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is generally better to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.

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

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealership to replace.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you around $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that is the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.