How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key It is recommended to have a spare. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more expensive to replace lost keys.
Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. how much are car key replacements to avoid this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.
It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The next type of car key is the transponder key that has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. They are a little more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your car.
Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they see indications that your car has been forced open or damaged. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.
If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able make you the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. This way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.
Fobs
You might not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. how much car key replacement , CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can steal keys. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that's the same model, year and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.