How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders or chips that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.
The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.
It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
It is essential to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they notice indications that your car has been forced open or tampered with. This can make it very difficult to obtain a replacement, so be 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 a lot harder to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a particular depth in the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're at work or doing around.
If you own an uncut laser key, you will need to contact a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will use a machine that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle however, your car likely 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 that must be programmed in order to work with the car you own. There are car key replacement who can assist you in this process however it's best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
Losing auto key replacement used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can take keys. The advances in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as 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 like an a switchblade. This makes 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 help of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that is the same model, year and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.