10 Replacement Car Keys Cost That Are Unexpected

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.

Before you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big 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 expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This type of key doesn't have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.

This is because modern automobile keys come 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 who is a service expert.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.

It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and Replacement Car Keys Cost it can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are a bit more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to spot, so you won't 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 locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store won't be able make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or Replacement Car Keys Cost chips inside that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you can have access to your car without needing to pay to have it towed back by the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it is generally best to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

Getting your car key fob replaced could cost up to $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in different shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement car key cost from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that offers programming for many automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.