How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier we've put together a guide to 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 issue. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function properly. This can only by done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap car key replacement near me however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.

There are five kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car keys battery replacement near me key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned 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 second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with special tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your car or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it.

The cost of a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best choice because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and can offer you a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key it is compatible with and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your car.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to open the door of your car yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle was opened or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a 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 key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge 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 the top, it is easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if your key is lost while doing errands or working.

If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store will not be able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.

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

Keep a spare car key in your car just in case of. Then, you can call 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 towed to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done correctly.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

These new keys come in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement key for car from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealer would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that's the same year, model and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.