20 Replacement Car Keys Cost Websites Taking The Internet By Storm

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.

The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively low, but the programming of 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 in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key fobs replacement key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. The cost of this service can 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 incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature because it stops theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you an affordable price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was copied, it will not work in your car.

Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your car yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they notice indications that your car has been opened or altered. This will make it extremely hard to get a replacement, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making 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 use a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or Replacement Car Keys Cost chips inside them that could be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is generally recommended to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are knowledgeable about your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

Getting your car key fob changed can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience However, now it's a major issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. The "smart" key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked into 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 works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that is the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.