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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

If you lose your keys It is a good idea to have a spare. To make it easier we've created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys include transponders or Replacement Car Keys Cost chips which must be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely.

It's important to identify the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not 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 a transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends 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 copy than a standard mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take 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 has to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to provide you with a more competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or forced to open. This can make it very difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while working or running for errands.

If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. In most cases your local hardware store will not be able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car keys. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car, but your car keys replacement probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming, however it is generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. 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 can steal them. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves.

These new keys come in different sizes and shapes however the most expensive one is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for various vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself around $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.