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 roads.

If you lose your keys it is recommended to make a backup. To make this easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with an electronic car key replacement chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that must be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or cheap car keys replacement dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.

It's important to identify the type of car replacement key keys you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require 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, however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. They are the best option as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and can give you a better rate.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car keys replacement near me.

It is essential to not attempt to break into your car keys replacements by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or altered. This will make it extremely hard to get a replacement, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth in the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out if your key is lost while doing errands or working.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to make you the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.

Keep a spare car key in your possession just in case of. This way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it is generally better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

Getting your car key fob replaced could cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves can take keys. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in various sizes and shapes, [Redirect Only] but the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked into a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

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 a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that is the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.