How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.
Before you lose your key it is recommended to make a backup. 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. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the 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 by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure.
It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common, but 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 embedded security microchips that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on your car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and then drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. They are the best option because they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are a bit more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your car.
It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your car has been opened or altered. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to lose or steal than a metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a certain depth on the face of the key. This makes it easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you misplace your keys while at work or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle 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's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle However, now it's an actual issue. how much are car key replacements is because modern vehicles have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys come in different shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. These keys are usually 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 cloned to work in another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that is the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.