How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only by done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.
It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before seeking help. An older, standard car key has a traditional 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 about $10.
The next type of car key is a transponder key 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 type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is near to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so also. They are the best option because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and can provide you with a better price.
A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing 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 system. These are a bit more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.
Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to gain entry into your car yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or forced open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you misplace your key while you're working or running errands.
If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able create the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will use a machine that appears like a standard drill to mill the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession just in the event of. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
key replacements for cars
Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the car without a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about your specific car, which can ensure it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle however, it's now an actual issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealership to replace.
If you have a spare fob that works in your car and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.