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 with Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key, it is recommended to have a spare made. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, car key mobile replacement of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.
It is important to determine the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10.
The next kind of car key is a transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on the car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically higher than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be able to program the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you a more competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because 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 key were cloned it would not work in your car.
Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice signs that the car has been tampered with or forced to open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth in the middle of the face of the key. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing around.
If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you an alternative key that is 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 key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your car.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Keep a spare car key in your car just in case. car key remote replacement near me can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer.
Fobs
You might not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it's better to let your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done right.
Getting your car key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was a hassle, but now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can take them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.
These new keys come in various sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work with another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program many different vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you around $200 or more. Make car key and remote replacement that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your car.