How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

When you lose your key it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make this easier, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and store it safely.

There are five types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car keys replacements much more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to start your car and drive away with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming a transponder key, but it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or opened. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement key for car cost parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile replacement car keys auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running around.

If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you the replacement key laser-cut because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith uses an instrument that appears like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to get it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge problem. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in different shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealer would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that is the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.