How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.
Before you lose your key, it is recommended to have a spare. We have compiled a list on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for about $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.
The cost to get a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.
There are five kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older 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 find them at your local home improvement store for $10.
The next kind of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type 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 car dealer has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program the transponder key, however it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. 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.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car.
No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to open the door of your car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so 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 be stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands.
If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. automotive car key replacement visit isn't likely to make you a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your car.
Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic components or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's best to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal keys. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys come in various shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that 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. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than the price a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.