How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace lost keys.
The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. car key replacement near me is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.
There are five different types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with specialized tools, which are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the car's 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 close to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key, however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which type of key will work with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.
Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to gain entry into your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you misplace your keys while at work or doing for errands.
If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.
A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. car key replacements must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you'll have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.
Fobs
Unless you own an old classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start your car without having a key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.
These new keys come in various shapes and sizes however the most expensive one is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealership to replace.
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 business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that's the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.