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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.
It is a good idea to buy a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key for around $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.
There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put 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 second type of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car key fobs replacement's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have since it discourages theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to start your car and take it away.
Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best option since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and can give you a better rate.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key works with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car.
It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or doing around.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store isn't able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools needed to cut and Replacement Car Keys Cost program these types of keys.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface 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.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle without needing to pay to have it tow back to the dealership.
Fobs
Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car without a key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, replacement car keys cost some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could 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 brand new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience, but now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, says 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 a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program various vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.