How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

Before you lose your key it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make this easier, we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest replacement car keys method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

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

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.

There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your vehicle or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to start your car and take it away.

A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you the most competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will 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 gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or tampered with. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches 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's easy to identify whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while at work or doing around.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your car.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside them that could 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 full rebuild of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you can have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it tow back to the dealership.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and replacement car keys have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. It's now a major issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one that has both transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. The "smart" key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.