How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.
It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.
It's important to identify the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The second type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the make and model.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and transmitter to turn on your car and take it away.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out what type of key works with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been opened or damaged. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
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 along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a particular depth on the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.
If you have an uncut laser key, you will need to contact a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronic components or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car without a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is usually better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle however, it's now an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Be our source to purchase a key and fob that's the same model, year and model as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.