How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.

It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost car keys replacement.

The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like a local locksmith near me car key replacement or a car dealer service professional.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually 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 secure.

There are five different kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. They're not as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder with an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.

It is important that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your car has been opened or damaged. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to take or lose than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to tell if it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while working or running errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store isn't able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you can have access to your car without having to pay to have it towed back at the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car key replacement online without having a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it's better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program various vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.