How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled 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 purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles 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 will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that must be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.

There are five different types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. It could cost you $500 or more based on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a great feature because it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to offer you a more competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. They are a little more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.

Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice signs that your car has been forced open or damaged. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

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. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.

If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases, your local hardware store isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.

Keep at least one spare car keys battery replacement near me key in your possession just in case of. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it is usually better to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your particular car, which can ensure it's done right.

The cost of replacing your car 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 car replacement you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that's the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.