How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't 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 on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for about $50 or less. 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 that need to be programmed to work properly. This can only by done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.
It is important to determine the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. They're not as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The next type of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with special tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature to have as it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it.
A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular one, however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your car.
Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to help in the event of indications that your vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It is very difficult to get 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 find that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth along the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. auto car key replacement will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed by the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's best to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle However, now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that works in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself around $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that has the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.