How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.
When you lose your key, it is a good idea to make a backup. To make this more convenient, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, which must be programmed to work 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 of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place.
There are five different kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The next type of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.
A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular key, but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.
Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. auto car key replacement means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.
It is crucial that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or altered. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to lose or steal than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth along the face of the key. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. auto car key replacement that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. automotive car key replacement will be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. Then, you can call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is generally best to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
Getting your car key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now a real problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves.
These new keys come in various shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.