How Much Do replacement car Key car key replacement online Keys Cost?
Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make it easier we’ve put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn’t too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key isn’t equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore isn’t able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they’re doing, like the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.
There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it’s crucial to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These keys aren’t as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder that 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 kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more 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.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular one, but that’s only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program a transponder key, but it is recommended to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it’s essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car.
Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car has been forced open or altered. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
You’ll find a laser-cut key is much harder to take or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don’t have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there’s a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key’s face. When you look at the key from the top it’s easy to tell if it’s a fake or not. The fact that they’re so easy to identify also means that you’re not at risk of getting locked out if you misplace 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 who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able 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.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key’s unique code will then be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means that they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. This way you’ll be able call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it is generally best to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are knowledgeable about your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.
The cost of having your car’s key fob replaced could cost up to $500, based on the type of key you use and if it’s smart or just remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is 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 easy to use and strong that thieves can take them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys come in a variety of sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This “smart” key has a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost car key replacement near me or tucked in a pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement car key near me from a company such as Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.