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 quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace keys lost.
car key replacement to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.
The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.
There are five types of car keys, so it's crucial to know the type you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is a great feature because it deters 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 drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key however, it's because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your dealership if they can do so also. They are the best choice since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and can provide you with a better price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe indications that your car has been opened or damaged. This can make it very difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or get stolen 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 you look at the key from above it's easy to determine if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you lose your keys while at work or running for errands.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will use an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car keys. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it tow back to the dealership.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it is generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.
Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.
Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern cars have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.
These new keys come in different shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that can be used in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that has the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.