How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.
automotive key replacement is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.
It's crucial to know the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and take it away.
Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. They are the best option since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and will provide you with a better price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key will work with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ 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.
No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. This will make it extremely hard to get an exchange, so make sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you misplace your keys while at work or doing for errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to provide you with the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. This way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car without a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are familiar with your particular car, which can ensure it's done correctly.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves.
These new keys come in different dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that's the same model, year and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.