How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace keys lost.
The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function properly. This is only done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.
It's crucial to know the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. They're not as common however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with special tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is close to your car or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn your car on and take it away.
The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.
car key replacements have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires the use of 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, because they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was copied, it will not work in your car.
It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to take or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth along the face of the key. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or doing for errands.
If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
These new keys come in different shapes and sizes however the most expensive is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.