How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.

It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a key 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 come with transponders, or chips, that must be programmed properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however they are available at your local home improvement store for $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 start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specialized tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car keys lost replacement.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car keys replacements since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with an affordable price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which kind of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car.

It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement car key costs, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to steal or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're working or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store isn't able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith will use a machine that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

You might not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. It's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves are able to steal keys. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing a replacement car keys price aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealership would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.