How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys 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 an ideal idea to have a spare. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this type 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 include transponders, or chips, which must be programmed properly. 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 mechanical keys is affordable, however 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 in a safe place.
There are five different types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert 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 less than $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder with an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using special tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice since they have the most experience in programming these keys and will give you a better rate.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been opened or damaged. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're at work or running around.
If you have a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. In car key case replacement won't be able make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. find more information is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
You might not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is generally better to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are well-versed in your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.
The cost of replacing your car key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves can take keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself as much 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 vehicle.