5 Replacement Car Keys Cost Projects That Work For Any Budget

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 in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

When you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare. To make it easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key does not have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A classic, old-fashioned car replacement key near me key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with specialized tools that are accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on your car's make and model.

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 in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and then drive off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it has to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best option because they have the most experience in programming these keys and can provide you with a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.

It is crucial that you don't attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of signs that the vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're working or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ 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 retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed by the dealer.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and Cost of Replacement Car Keys possess all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.

The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take them. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cost of replacement car keys cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.