How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.
If you lose your keys It is recommended to have a spare. To make this easier we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace a lost key.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for about $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best 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 contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common however you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending 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 replacement key for car near me is close 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 wonderful feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. 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 vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are a bit more complex as they require a particular key tool 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 even if the key is copied, it will not work with your car.
Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe indications that your car has been opened or tampered with. This will make it extremely hard to get an exchange, so make certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands.
If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call an expert locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will then be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession just in case. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle However, now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.