How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car replacement keys keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier we've created a list of how much Replacement Car key car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto car key replacement near me locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for about $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of car key replacement to get an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.

It's important to identify the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. These aren't common anymore 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 that has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key however, this is because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best choice because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. They are a little more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile car key replacement auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you lose your keys while at work or doing around.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. This way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle again, without needing to pay to have it tow back to the dealership.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

Getting your car key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves are able to take them. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys come in different sizes and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" features a 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. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.