How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.
If you lose your keys, it is an ideal idea to make a backup. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key does not have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it safe.
It is important to determine the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. 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. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specialized tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature to have since it discourages 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 before they could drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this also. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.
Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able find out what type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.
It is important to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to assist you particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been altered or opened. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from the top. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working.
If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit won't be able create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be found from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your car.
Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they don't contain electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the 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 an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car key. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.
keys replacement
If you do not 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 the car without a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is generally better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various shapes and sizes however the most expensive one is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.