How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.
If you lose your keys It is an ideal idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, losing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace a lost key.
The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.
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 can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.
It is important to determine the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your car.
It is crucial that you don't attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they observe indications that your car has been forced open or damaged. This could make it hard to get an exchange, so make certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a certain depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from the top. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while doing errands or working.
If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases, your local hardware store isn't able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.
A locksmith uses an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, 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 your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic components or chips which can be altered. Info must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case of. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to get it towed back to the dealership.
Fobs
Unless you own an old classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you around $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.