How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key it is a good idea to have a spare. We have compiled a list 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 buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, cheap car key replacement near me of key doesn't have chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.
There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know the type you have before seeking help to replace it. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specialized tools that are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is near to your vehicle or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. They are the best option since they have the most experience in programming these keys and can offer you a better price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your car.
It is crucial 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 cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been damaged or opened. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or doing errands.
If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is generally better to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.
