How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's much more costly to replace lost keys.
The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders or chips that must be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
key fob replacement of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip in modern cars can cost you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and store it safely.
It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that sends 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 key, and is only possible with specialized tools that are accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder key is typically higher than a standard key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this also. They are the best option since they have the most experience in programming these keys and can give you a better rate.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to break into your own car yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of evidence that the car has been tampered with or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears like a standard drill to cut 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 obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. 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
If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the car without a key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it's best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can steal keys. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer 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 purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.