It's The Myths And Facts Behind Replacement Car Keys Cost

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling 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 purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

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

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip that is used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.

It is important to determine the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however, they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specialized tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, Replacement Car Keys Cost it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program a transponder key, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out what type of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. These are a bit more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.

Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. When you look at the key from above it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running errands.

If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create a laser-cut replacement keys for cars key, as they lack the equipment to cut and Replacement Car Keys Cost program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use a machine that appears like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.

Keep a spare car key in your car just in the event of. That way, you'll be able to contact 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 at the dealership.

Fobs

You might not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that's the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.