How Much Do
Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.
It is a good idea to order an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.
The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for about $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.
The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your
car key replacement service near me and keep it in a safe place.
There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn on your car. They're not as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the
Car key programming industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on your car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and take off with it.
The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically higher than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. They are the best option as they have the best experience in programming these keys and will give you a better rate.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated because they require a special key tool 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 if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you have, it is crucial that you never try to gain entry into your car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch 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 you look at it from the top. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit won't be able make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will use a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. You can then call a
locksmith near me car key replacement to get the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your specific car, which can ensure it's done correctly.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.
Losing your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into 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 key fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that's the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.