How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, cars keys replacement are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically 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 own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have as it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and then drive off with it.

A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires the use of a 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. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car.

It is crucial that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they observe indications that your car was opened or damaged. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth on the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you misplace your key while you're working or doing for errands.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create a laser-cut replacement keys for cars key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

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

Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car without a key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it's better to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done correctly.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost up to $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys come in various sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.