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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good idea to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key does not have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, Replacement Car Keys Cost that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure.

There are five kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The second type of car key is the transponder key that has 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 mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it deters theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it.

A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next cheapest car key replacement. You will be able to figure out which type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to assist you particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a certain depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running around.

If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith will use an instrument that appears like a regular drill to cut the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.

Keep a spare car key in your possession just in the event of. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the car without having a key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

Getting your car key fob replaced can cost up to $500, depending on the kind of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket cheapest replacement car keys from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you as much as $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your car.