How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.

It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make this easier we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.

There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a car keys replacement dealer has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with an affordable price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of indications that your vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. This can make it very difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a traditional key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth on the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while at work or doing errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed 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 at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you can have access to your cheap car keys replacement again, without needing to pay to have it towed back by the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start your car key battery replacement near me without a key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are well-versed in your specific car and can ensure that it's done right.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

These new keys come in various shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or replacement car keys tucked inside pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that is the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.