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 get back on the roads.
It is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this easier we've created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key does not have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.
There are five distinct types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to connect with their car. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it.
Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key, but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and will offer you a better price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.
No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they notice indications that your car has been opened or damaged. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or get 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 easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. auto car key replacement will remove all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed by the dealer.
Fobs
You might not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys come with 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 necessary tools and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program many different vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that's the same model, year and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.