How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.

It is a good plan to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with 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 in order to work correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

There are five distinct kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior Replacement car keys cost to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next kind of car key is a transponder key 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. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it deters theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and then drive off with it.

A transponder key is slightly more than a regular one, however, Replacement car Keys cost this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by most locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. They are the best option because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complex as they require specialized 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 even if the key is copied, it will not work with your car.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your car has been opened or damaged. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running around.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith car key replacement cost who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you'll have access to your car again without needing to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car without a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you however it's best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car 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 may need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that has the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart" key comes with 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 put in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that has the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.