How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier, we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key for about $50 or less. This kind of key does not have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, which must be programmed to work properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.
There are five different types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common however you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on your car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and then drive off with it.
A transponder key is slightly more than a regular key, however, it's because it needs to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it also. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. They are a little more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.
Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of indications that your car has been tampered with or forced open. This can make it very hard to get replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. 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 set depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands.
If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to 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 will employ a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will cut off 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 to the specifications of your vehicle.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is 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 the event that you accidentally lose your car key. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you have access to your car again without needing to pay to have it tow back at the dealership.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.
The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience However, now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can steal keys. g28carkeys in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys come in different dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for many different 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. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.