How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more costly to replace lost keys.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent 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 standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder with an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on your car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature because it deters 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 before they could drive off with it.
A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key however, it's because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming the transponder key, however it is best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based 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 that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.
It is essential to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to assist you, especially if they see indications that your vehicle has been damaged or forced open. This can make it very hard to get a replacement, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
key car replacement -Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're working or doing for errands.
If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In most cases your local hardware store will not be able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will employ a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car keys. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.
Fobs
You may not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away 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 that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for various vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.