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 idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that must be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
automotive key replacement of having a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.
There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The second type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to connect with their car. They use a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your vehicle, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.
A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to offer you the most competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out what type of key works with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your car.
Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see indications that your car has been forced open or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to lose or steal than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands.
If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to provide you with the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips 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, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it towed back at the dealership.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle however, it's now a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can take keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for various vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself around $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.