How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.
It is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace a lost key.
car key replacement near me of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.
It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more based on your car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and transmitter to turn your car on and take it away.
The cost of a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to offer you the most competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key will work with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.
Certain newer 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. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your car.
Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice indications that your car was opened or damaged. It is very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a particular depth in the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to tell whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running around.
If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.
A locksmith uses a machine that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So you'll be able contact 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
There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process but it's generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.
These new keys come in various sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.