How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
When you lose your key It is an ideal idea to make a backup. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that must be programmed properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area 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 the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.
It's crucial to know the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
auto key replacements of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have since it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with a more competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complicated as they require a special key tool 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 copied, it will not work with your vehicle.
No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to gain entry into your car yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a certain depth on the face of the key. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're working or running for errands.
If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means that they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. That way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to get it tow-back by the dealership.
Fobs
You may not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
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 the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves can take them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
These new keys come in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.
If you have a spare 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 automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.