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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys, it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make it easier we've created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace keys lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe.

It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type of cheap car key replacement key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it discourages theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it.

Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be able to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. This could make it hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a particular depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands.

If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store isn't able to create an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in case of. So you'll be able call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you can have access to your car again without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for electronic car key replacement a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done correctly.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost key replacement car or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. It's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves can steal keys. The advances in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in various sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes an Electronic Car key replacement transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, similar to the switchblade, Electronic car key replacement making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.