How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this easier, we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, which must be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.
There are five distinct types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on your car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it.
A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
It is crucial to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car key. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer.
Fobs
You might not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is usually best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost up to $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys come in different sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. car key case replacement -loaded shank that folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealership to replace.
If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for various vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that's the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.