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 in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace lost keys.
The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with a chip and 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 to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer service professional.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.
There are five distinct 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 inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. They're not as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to connect with their car. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is close to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it deters theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much 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.
The cost of a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and will give you a better rate.
A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. They are a little more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your car.
No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth in the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you lose your keys while at work or running for errands.
If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit 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 an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. replace keys of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case. 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 tow back to the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.