How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more costly to replace lost keys.

The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you 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 secure.

There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before getting help with replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. They're not as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using special tools that are available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it 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.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best option since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools 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 key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle was opened or altered. This could make it hard to get an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to lose or steal than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference 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 you're doing errands or working.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a professional Locksmith Car Key Replacement Cost who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store will not be able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronics or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to get it towed back at the dealership.

Fobs

You might not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.

Losing your car key button replacement key used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program various vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that's the same model, year and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.