How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.
It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace a lost key.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.
There are five different types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A more traditional, older 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 they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or 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 vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed close to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder key is usually higher than a standard key, but only because it has to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. replacement key for car near me is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.
Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car has been forced open or altered. This can make it very difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a specific depth on the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store isn't able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronics or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. So you'll be able call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you have access to your car again without having to pay to get it towed back at the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have 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, however it is usually better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain, but now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.
These new keys come in a variety of dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that is the same model, year and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.