See What Replacement Car Keys Cost Tricks The Celebs Are Using

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace lost keys.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys have transponders or chips that need to be programmed correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer service professional.

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 prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specialized tools that are only accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is near to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and take it away.

Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price.

Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to assist you in the event of indications that your vehicle has been altered or forced open. This could make it hard to get a replacement, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. These keys do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. This makes it very easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you misplace your keys while at work or running for errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the key replacement car's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you can have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it towed back by the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a 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. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

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 doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new car key replacement mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, replacement car keys explains that the modern cars have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys come in various shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program various vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.