How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your Cheapest car key replacement is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have created a guide on the cost of replacement key for car cost car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge issue. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders or chips that must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip in modern cars will usually 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 important to identify the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a standard key, but only because it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and will give you a better rate.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your car.

It is essential that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to steal or lose than a metal key. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're at work or doing for errands.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car, but your car keys replacement cost probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost car keys replacement cost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. It's now a major problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car keys lost replacement key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.

These new keys come in a variety of dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges, saving yourself around $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that's the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.