How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.

When you lose your key it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. They're not as common, but they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it discourages 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 and drive off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally able to program keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out what type of key will work with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been altered or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile car key replacement near me auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a certain depth along the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost car key replacement near me while doing errands or working.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create the replacement keys for car key laser-cut because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. So, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you can have access to your car again without having to pay to get it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about your specific car and can ensure that it's done correctly.

Getting your car key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that the fob goes missing or is stolen.

It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience, but now it's a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement keys car from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new key replacement for car and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your car.