How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.
Before you lose your key It is an ideal idea to have a spare made. 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 huge deal. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.
There are five different types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.
A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are a bit more complicated as they require a special key tool 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 duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to help you out, especially if they see indications that your vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or running errands.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact an expert locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store isn't able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs.
Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to have it towed back by the dealership.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is usually better to let your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. how to get a car key replaced 's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves are able to steal keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys come in various shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that has the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.