How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
If you lose your keys, it is recommended to have a spare. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.
There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. auto car key replacement , standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specialized tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is near to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This feature is great because it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your car dealer if they can do it. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and will give you a better rate.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out what type of key works with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.
It is crucial that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of signs that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you're doing errands or working.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is usually better to let your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your specific car, 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's smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain however, it's now a major issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies 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 with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that's the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.