How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy an extra key and Replacement Car Keys Cost then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace lost keys.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders or chips that must be programmed to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap car keys replacement however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.

It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. They're not as common however you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your vehicle or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically higher than a traditional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you the most competitive price.

Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car has been forced open or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to determine if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

Keep at least one 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 vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.

These new keys come in different shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for various vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself around $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.