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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 roads.

It is a good idea to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest way to do 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 come with an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.

There are five different kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.

Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.

It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile replacement car keys auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to steal or lose than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, Replacement Car Keys Cost there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store won't be able make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process however it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys come in different dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can be cloned, replacement car keys cost consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that offers programming for many automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that has the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.