How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.
When you lose your key it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for around $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This is only done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.
The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.
There are five kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The next kind 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 open the doors and allow the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have since it discourages theft. It also makes it 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.
A transponder key is slightly more than a regular key, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and will offer you a better price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.
It is crucial to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice evidence that the car has been tampered with or forced open. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you misplace your key while you're working or doing errands.
If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to make you a laser-cut replacement key , as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is generally better to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle however, it's now an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.