How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant 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 a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier, we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This is only 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 to have an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure.
It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it more 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.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best option because they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.
A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.
It is essential that you do not try to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. car key replacements could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle was opened or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to lose or steal than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or doing errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store will not be able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these types of key fobs.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your car.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession just in case. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it's better to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.
Getting your car key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience, but now it's a real problem. car key replacements 's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.