How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.
It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.
The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key does not have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.
There are five types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it.
Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best option since they have the most experience in programming these keys and can offer you a better price.
Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle was opened or tampered with. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while working or running errands.
If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases your local hardware store won't be able create an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.
Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be found from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. That way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle without needing to pay to have it tow back to the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are knowledgeable about your particular car, which can ensure it's done correctly.
Getting your car key fob changed can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience However, now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.
These new keys come in a variety of dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. vehicle key replacement may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your car.