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 fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. car key replacements of key does not have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.
It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. They're not as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and it can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is near to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have as it deters 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 drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key, however, this is because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you a more competitive price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure as 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 vehicle.
It is crucial that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to lose or steal than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth on the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while working or running errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In most cases, your local hardware store will not be able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.
It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
Fobs
Unless you own an old classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is usually better to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.
Getting your car key fob replaced could cost up to $500, depending on the kind of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. 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 them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.