How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.
If you lose your keys, it is an ideal idea to make a backup. To make this more convenient we’ve put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.
The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn’t have chips and isn’t able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith near me car key replacement in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.
There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it’s crucial to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren’t common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle’s computers to open the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with specific tools that are available to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a great feature because it stops theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. This is why it’s important to research the key options before you purchase 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.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won’t work with your vehicle.
It is important that you don’t attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car has been opened or altered. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you’ll see that it’s more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don’t have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a certain depth on the face of the key. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to identify if it’s a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you’re doing errands or working.
If your key is a laser-cut one, vehicle you’ll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able provide you with the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the key’s metal. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The key’s unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.
Fobs
There’s a chance that you don’t have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process however it’s best to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car key replacement near me and can ensure that it’s done right.
The cost of replacing your car’s key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it’s smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn’t include cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience 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 keys. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. The “smart” key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like 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 for a much lower cost than what a dealer would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.