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 car key replacement near me Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to purchase a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a list on how much it costs to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

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

Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.

There are five different types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start 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 a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specialized tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature because it stops theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.

A transponder key is slightly more than a regular one, but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you an affordable price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key will work with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are a bit more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.

It is important that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're working or doing around.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a locksmith professional with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create the replacement keys car key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your car.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

Keep a spare car key in your car just in case of. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.

Fobs

You might not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key replacement for car technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program various vehicles. You might discover 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 purchase the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.