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 get back on the road.
It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This type of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.
There are five different types of car keys available, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The second type of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specialized tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more based on the car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and will offer you a better price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.
No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see indications that your car has been tampered with or opened. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a certain 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 the top. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able make you a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut 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 extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to 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 them that could be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case. This way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is usually best to let your dealer do it. key replacements for cars have the right tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology 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 within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealer would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that has the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.