How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier we've created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key does not have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.

There are five different types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car key fobs replacement. They're not as common, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is the transponder car key car replacement. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

The cost of a new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option because they have the most experience in programming these keys and will provide you with a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every 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 by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your vehicle has been opened or altered. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you misplace your key while you're working or doing errands.

If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store won't be able make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you so that you can have access to your car key cover replacement again, without having to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your cheap car key replacement keys was an inconvenience however, it's now an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

These new keys come in various shapes and sizes however the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put into a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that has the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.