How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make this easier we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.
An auto locksmith can be the cheapest alternative. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer service professional.
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 to ensure that you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.
There are five types of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and take it away.
The cost of a new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best option since they have the most experience in programming these keys and will give you a better rate.
Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are a bit more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are more secure because they employ 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.
It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they notice indications that your car has been opened or tampered with. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, car key replacement feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out if you lose your keys while at work or doing around.
If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you can have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow back to the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is generally better to let your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done correctly.
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 doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was a hassle However, now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealer would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that's the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.