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 road.
It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier, we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed to work properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.
It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on the make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to connect with their car. They incorporate an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal 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 require both the correct key and transmitter in order to start your car and take it away.
A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular key however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.
Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or forced open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, replacement key for car near me feature a groove that is cut to a specific depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your keys while working or doing errands.
If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your car.
Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. This way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you have access to your car again without having to pay to have it towed back at the dealership.
Fobs
You might not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain 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 best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.
Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves can take them. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys come in various shapes and sizes however the most expensive is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key features 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 hidden in a pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that works in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you around $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.