How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.
When you lose your key, it is recommended to have a spare made. To make it easier we've created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace keys lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key for around $50 or less. However, my homepage of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.
There are five kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is near to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.
A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming the transponder key, however it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so also. They are the best choice since they have the most experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next car. You will be able to figure out what type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to assist you, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to lose or steal than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. 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 misplace your key while you're at work or doing errands.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will use an instrument that appears similar to a standard 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 can be found from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you'll have access to your car without having to pay to have it towed back at the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen.
Losing your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys come in different dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program many different vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that's the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.