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.
Before you lose your key, it is recommended to have a spare. To make this easier we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. vehicle key replacement could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace lost keys.
An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.
It is important to determine the kind 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 inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specialized tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and drive away with it.
The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically higher than a conventional key, but that is because it has to be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally able to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are a bit more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
It is crucial that you don't attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or altered. This can make it very hard to get a replacement, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you lose your key while you're working or doing errands.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store will not be able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.
A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.
Have at least one spare car key in your car just in the event of. That way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you'll have access to your car without having to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle however, your car likely has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process however it's better to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle However, now it's an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that can program your automobiles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.