How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It’s never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it is much more expensive to replace lost keys.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn’t have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.
Modern car keys have transponders or chips that need to be programmed correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they’re doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership’s service department.
The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.
It’s crucial to know the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key has 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 however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with specialized tools, which are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. It could cost you $500 or more based on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and then drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and will give you a better rate.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car.
Whatever type of key you’ve got, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own car yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to help, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been altered or opened. It is very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you’ll find that it’s more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don’t have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a specific depth in the middle of the key’s face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they’re so easy to spot also means that you’re not at risk of being locked out if you misplace your key while you’re at work or doing around.
If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you’ll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store won’t be able make a new key cut with lasers because they don’t have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will use an instrument that appears like a regular drill to cut the key’s metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key’s unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to your vehicle’s specifications.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don’t have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full reconstruction 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 keys. That way, you’ll be able to call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it towed back by the dealership.
Fobs
If you don’t own a classic Car Key Replacements Near Me, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it’s recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it’s smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn’t include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was a pain however, it’s now a real problem. That’s because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys come in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This “smart key” features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, 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 copied, g28Carkeys you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealer would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.
