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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.

It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.

There are five different kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The second type of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed close to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically higher than a standard key, but only because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys and can provide you with a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. They are a little more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to gain entry into your car yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your car has been opened or altered. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile car key replacement auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost while doing errands or working.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment for 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 equipment required to cut and program these types of keys.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to mill the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you have access to your car without having to pay to get it tow back to the dealership.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you but it's generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal keys. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and programmed may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that is the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.