How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
If you lose your keys it is a good idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key does not have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.
This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and store it safely.
There are five kinds of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your car or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have because it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to start your car and take it away.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your dealership if they can do so also. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. automotive key replacement means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.
Whatever type of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice indications that your car has been opened or tampered with. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely 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 appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without needing to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
Getting your car key fob changed can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain, but now it's an actual issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These keys 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 can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who can program various vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealership will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.