How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing emergency car key replacement Roadside Service.

Before you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip that is used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

There are five distinct types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. 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 a transponder Cheapest Car Key Replacement key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and take it away.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you an affordable price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are more complicated 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 if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.

It is essential that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of indications that your vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so you should 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. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a particular depth on the face of the key. This makes it very easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running errands.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ a machine that appears like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronics or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car key replacement cost however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes 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 an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that's the same year, model and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.