How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier, we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.
car key replacement can be the most affordable option. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.
It is important to determine the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on the car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.
The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you the most competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help in the event of indications that your vehicle has been altered or opened. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to steal or lose than a traditional key. These keys have no 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. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're 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 around.
If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it is usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.
The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.
Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.