How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's emergency car key replacement Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good idea to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make this easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost (please click the next website page).

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace keys lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that must be programmed correctly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.

The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.

There are five kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put 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 about $10.

The second type of car key is the transponder with an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open 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 dealer in the car industry has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more based on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is usually higher than a standard key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best option as they have the best experience in programming these keys and will provide you with a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You will be able to figure out which kind of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.

No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a particular depth along the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing around.

If you have an uncut laser key, you will need to contact a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make 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.

Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car key replacement service, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of getting your emergency car key replacement's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for various vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.