10 Replacement Car Keys Cost That Are Unexpected

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 return to the road.

It is a good idea to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it is much more costly to replace keys lost.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.

It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, cost of replacement car keys but you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for car key replacement for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and then drive off with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key will work with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are a bit 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 even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.

It is important to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to assist you particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been damaged or opened. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a certain depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you misplace your key while you're at work or doing around.

If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key fob for car key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car keys. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you'll 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 but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest 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 fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it's recommended to let your dealer handle 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 as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern cars have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can steal keys. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that is the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.