How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
replacement car key costs is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make it easier we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.
It's important to identify the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more based on the make and model.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically higher than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with an affordable price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car.
It is crucial to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or damaged. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a certain depth on the face of the key. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.
If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call an expert locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store will not be able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they have to 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.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. This way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to get it tow back to the dealership.
Fobs
You might not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal keys. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that's the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.