How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together 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 deal. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key for about $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.

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

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.

It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your Car Key Replacement Price. Keys like these aren't as popular, but they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, car key replacement price and is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically higher than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to offer you an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. It can be extremely 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 with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or doing around.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases your local hardware store isn't able to 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 use a machine that looks very like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and car key Replacement Price replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. So you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you'll have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys replacement keys used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or hidden 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 an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing a replacement car keys near me aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.