How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.
If you lose your keys, it is a good idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.
An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't come with a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.
The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place.
There are five different types of car keys available, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.
navigate here is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the make and model.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a great feature because it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn on your car and take it away.
The cost of a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with the most competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. They are a little more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.
It is important that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a certain depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your key while you're working or doing errands.
If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store will not be able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will use an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your car.
Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to get it tow back at the dealership.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your car without a key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your specific car and can ensure that it's done right.
Getting your car key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle However, now it's an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work with another 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 many different vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you around $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that is the same year, model and make as the original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.