How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace keys lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.
This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.
The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.
It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder, 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. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it.
Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is recommended 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 could be able to give you the most competitive price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. They are a little more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was copied, it will not work in your car.
It is crucial that you do not try to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been forced open or tampered with. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. automotive car key replacement don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from the top. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you're doing errands or working.
If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle again without needing to pay to have it towed back by the dealership.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it's best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending 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.
It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain, but now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can take them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also 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 comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself around $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.