How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier we've created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.
It's important to identify the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The second type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When car key replacements G28 is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key but that's only because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program a transponder key, but it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best option since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and can offer you a better price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able 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 transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car.
No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of signs that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. This will make it extremely hard to get an exchange, so make sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional 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 set depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running around.
If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. In most cases, your local hardware store will not be able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.
Fobs
You might not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock 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. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
These new keys come in a variety of dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges which could save you around $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.