How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO’s emergency car key replacement Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.
When you lose your key It is a good idea to have a spare. To make this easier we’ve put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn’t that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could just purchase a spare key replacements for cars and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it’s much more costly to replace lost keys.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This type of key does not have chip and won’t be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders or chips that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they’re doing, for instance the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership’s service department.
The cost to have an electronic key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.
There are five different types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren’t as common however they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The second type of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car’s computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.
Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and can offer you a better price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. They are more complicated as 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 if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.
No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won’t help you if they observe indications that your car was opened or damaged. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you’ll find that it’s much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don’t have notches cut along the edges of the blade – instead there’s a groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key’s face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to identify if it’s a fake or not. They are easy to identify, so you won’t get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.
If your key is a laser-cut one, you’ll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith uses an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove 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 then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.
Keep a spare car key in your car just in case. That way, you’ll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you so that you’ll gain access to your vehicle without needing to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it is generally best to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car, which can ensure it’s done right.
The Cost Of Replacement Car Key of having your car’s key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it’s smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn’t include the cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was a hassle, but now it’s an actual issue. That’s because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart” key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program various vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that is the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.
