How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
When you lose your key It is a good idea to have a spare made. To make this easier we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This kind of key does not have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it safe.
It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned 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 can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
replacement car key cost of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with special tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this could 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 connect with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have since it helps to prevent 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 on and take off with it.
Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
It is important to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your vehicle was opened or damaged. This can make it very hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch 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 tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.
If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case of. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it is generally best to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done correctly.
Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can steal keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys come in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can 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 offers programming for many automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less 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, year of manufacture and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.