How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

If you lose your keys it is an ideal idea to have a spare. We have compiled a list on the price to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key at a cost of $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to work properly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and store it safely.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are available to a locksmith or dealer in the car key button replacement. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car key replacements.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it.

A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.

Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. 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 have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

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

It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle without needing to pay to have it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start your car without having a key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is generally best to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to steal them. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in different sizes and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote car key replacement-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement keys for car from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself around $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.