How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is 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 plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the cost to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace a lost key.
Employing car key remote control replacement is the most affordable alternative. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This can only by done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.
There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start 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 of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They use a microchip in the key. When the key is near to your vehicle, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature because it stops theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and take off with it.
A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key however, it's because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program a transponder key, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you an affordable price.
Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. They are a little more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your car.
No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been altered or forced open. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit will not be able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car keys. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it is usually better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.
Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal keys. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however the most expensive one is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealership to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your car and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that is the same model, year and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.