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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace a lost key.

The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure.

It's important to identify the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is close to your car or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to start your car and take it away.

The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program a transponder key, but it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this also. They are the best choice because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and can offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice signs that your car has been opened or damaged. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you misplace your keys while at work or doing around.

If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store will not be able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.

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

Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done right.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your replacement car keys cost keys was once a hassle. It's now a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, replacement car keys cost training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that has 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, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement keys for cars from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you around $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that's the same model, year and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.