How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key It is recommended to have a spare. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace keys lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key for about $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to work properly. This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.
car key replacement to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.
It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type 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 kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is close to your car or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a standard key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your dealership if they can do so also. They are the best option as they have the best experience in programming these keys and can provide you with a better price.
A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.
No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or running for errands.
If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession just in the event of. That way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle again, without needing to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car however, your car likely has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern cars have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare 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 like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist 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 which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that is the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.