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 in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.
When you lose your key it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make this more convenient, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.
There are five distinct types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type of car key is the transponder with an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you a more competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able find out what type of key will work with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. They are a little more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.
It is crucial that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your car has been forced open or damaged. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. automotive car key replacement have no notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your key while you're at work or running errands.
If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call an expert locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able make you a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.
Keep a spare car key in your car just in the event of. Then, you can call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with your specific car, which can ensure it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen.
Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal them. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys come in different sizes and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that's the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.