How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.
When you lose your key car replacement it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make this easier, we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, losing or losing the car key replacements for cars was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it’s more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key does not have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in a modern cheap car key replacement will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place.
It’s crucial to know the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn on your car. They’re not as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle’s computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your car or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it.
The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically higher than a conventional key, but only because it has to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.
A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key will work with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complex as they require special tools 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 if your key was duplicated, it wouldn’t work in your car.
It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to assist you, especially if they see signs that the car has been tampered with or opened. This could make it hard to get a replacement, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
It’s likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to take or lose than a traditional key. The keys don’t have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth on the key’s face. When you look at the key from the top it’s easy to identify if it’s a fake or not. The fact that they’re so easy to spot also means that you’re less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you misplace your keys while at work or doing around.
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 the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key’s code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. So you’ll be able call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you so that you gain access to your vehicle again without needing to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.
Fobs
You might not own an old classic vehicle however, your car key fobs replacement likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process but it’s generally better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.
Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it’s a serious problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. The “smart” key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.