How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.
When you lose your key It is recommended to make a backup. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for about $50 or less. This type of key doesn't have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that must be programmed correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.
It's crucial to know the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open 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 duplicated using special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on the car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your car or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
A transponder key is slightly more than a regular one, however, this is because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you a more competitive price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require special tools 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 if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.
It is essential that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help you out in the event of indications that your car has been tampered with or forced to open. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to lose or steal than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to determine if it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.
If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.
A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in case. This way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you can have access to your car again without having to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it is generally better to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.
Getting your car key fob changed can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain, but now it's a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys come in different sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. replacement key fobs for cars are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have a spare key fob that works in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that can program your vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.