How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.

It is a good plan to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace lost keys.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed properly. This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer service professional.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and store it safely.

It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A classic, old-fashioned car 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 however, replacement car keys Cost you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is placed 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, since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.

A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. They are the best option as they have the best expertise in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key will work with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car replacement key cost.

No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your car has been opened or altered. This could make it hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you misplace your key while you're at work or doing errands.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will use a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, depending on the kind 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 may wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle However, now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take them. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in various 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" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that is the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.