How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders or chips that must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options 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 a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools 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 if your keys were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

Whatever type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to break into your own car yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your car has been forced open or damaged. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or Replacement Car Keys Cost be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to recognize and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working.

If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create a laser-cut replacement key replacements for cars, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

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

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

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. This way you'll be able call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you, so that you can have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it tow-back at the dealership.

Fobs

You might not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is generally best to let your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about your particular car, which can ensure it's done correctly.

Getting your car key fob changed 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 a brand new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle However, now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves can steal them. The advancements in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.