How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.
When you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make this easier we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that must be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.
It's important to identify the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed 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 around $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
key replacements for cars of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car.
Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your vehicle was opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to create the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will employ a machine that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you can have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership.
Fobs
Unless you own an old classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start the car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.
Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was a pain however, it's now an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves can steal them. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that works in your car and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealer will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.