How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to purchase a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the cost to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost replacement car key more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it safe.

There are five types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type of car key is the transponder that 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. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or cheap car Key Replacement Near Me dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. They are a little more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

It is essential that you do not try to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see indications that your cheap car key Replacement Near me has been forced open or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to lose or steal than a metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish 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 not at risk of being locked out if you lose your key while you're working or running around.

If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to call an expert locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store isn't able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key.

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed by the dealer.

Fobs

You might not have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.

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 the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys replacement cost key was an inconvenience, but now it's a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.