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 fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.
It's important to identify the type of car key you have before seeking help. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The second type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is near to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn your car on and then drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it has to be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming a transponder key, but it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.
Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.
Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of signs that the vehicle has been altered or opened. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you lose your key while you're at work or doing around.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.
Keep a spare car key in your car just in the event of. So, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it towed back by the dealership.
car key replacement remote
If you don't own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process however it's better to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in your particular car and can ensure that it's done right.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now it's a serious problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys come in different shapes and sizes however the most expensive one is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.