How Much Do replacement car keys cost (read on)?

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

If you lose your keys it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make this easier we've created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys have transponders or chips that must be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.

There are five types of car keys available, so it's important to know the type you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith car dealer. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is placed close to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and the transmitter to start your car and then drive off with it.

A transponder key is slightly more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. They are a little more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your car.

Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of evidence that the car has been tampered with or forced to open. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact an Mesa mobile replacement car keys auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a particular depth on the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able make you the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start your car without a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process however it's best to have your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

Getting your car key fob replaced can cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.