How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing car key replacement to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, losing or losing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.
It's crucial to know the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more 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 purchasing a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key works with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.
No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help in the event of signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to determine whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
car key replacement will employ an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key 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.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.
Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.
Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves can steal keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you around $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.