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 get back on the road.
It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, cheap car key replacement are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.
Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.
The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.
There are five distinct kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. key replacements near me of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is an excellent 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 take off with it.
A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular key, but that's only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
It is important that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they observe indications that your car was opened or damaged. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your keys while at work or running errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will remove 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 then be cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. replacement car keys price have special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.
Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, however the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.