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.

Before you lose your key it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make this more convenient, we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more costly to replace lost keys.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to 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, that must be programmed to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.

It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specialized tools that are accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. 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 cars to communicate with their car. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have as it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to start your car replacement key near me and drive away with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. They are the best choice because they have the most expertise in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. These are a bit more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car replacement keys.

It is important to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe indications that your car has been forced open or altered. This could make it hard to get a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key car replacement when you look at it from above. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while doing errands or working.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to create the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to mill the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you 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 gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program many different 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 key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.