How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.

Before you lose your key it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make it easier, we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.

There are five kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car key fob replacement near me. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, Cost of Replacement Car Keys because they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.

It is important that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of signs that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, cost of replacement car keys they have a groove that's cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. When looking at the key from above it's easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is 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 car.

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

Keep a spare car key in your car just in case of. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the car without a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that is in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself around $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that has the same year, model and make as the original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.