How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
key replacement car is a good idea to buy a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace lost keys.
The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed in order to function properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.
It is important to determine the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on your car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is close to your car or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.
A transponder key is slightly more than a regular one, however, this is because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which type 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 password system. These are more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your car.
It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or tampered with. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're working or doing for errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will use an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
Unless you own an old classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start the car without a key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it is usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.
The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious problem. 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. car key replacements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. 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 copied to work with another vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself around $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.