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 roads.
It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace a lost key.
The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open 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 can only be done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place.
It's important to identify the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.
The next type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on your car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is near to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.
car replacement key of a brand new transponder key is usually higher than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize 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 vehicle.
Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see indications that your car has been opened or altered. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth on the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if your key is lost while you're doing errands or working.
If you own an uncut laser key, you will need to contact a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store isn't able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process however it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.
The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.
Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These keys 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 works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges, saving yourself around $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your car.