How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.
When you lose your key It is a good idea to make a backup. To make this more convenient we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.
The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work properly. auto key replacement can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.
The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.
There are five kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. car key replacement makes it more difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.
A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular one, but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with a more competitive price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. They are a little more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.
No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been altered or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to recognize and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.
A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
It's always a good idea to keep 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 have access to your car without needing to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the car without a key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process, though it's usually best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that the fob goes missing or is stolen.
Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major problem. 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. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.