How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, remote car key replacement cost of key isn't equipped with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, which must be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.
It's crucial to know the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. 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 automobiles to connect with their car. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you the most competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
It is essential to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or altered. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a specific depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing errands.
If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith uses a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to mill the key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then call an locksmith to have 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
Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it's better to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as much as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was a hassle however, it's now an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that's the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.