Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Replacement Car Keys Cost
How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.
It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe.
It is important to determine the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The second type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on the car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is close to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and the transmitter to start your car and then drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with an affordable price.
Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complex as they require specialized 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.
No matter what kind of key you have, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help you out in the event of evidence that the car has been tampered with or forced to open. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while doing errands or working.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call an expert locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronics or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle 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 use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can take them. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. official website has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that can program your vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.