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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 road.

Before you lose your key it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace lost keys.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or replacement car Keys cost less. This type of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip used in modern cars can cost 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 distinct types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to start your car and drive away with it.

The cost of a new transponder keys is typically higher than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be able to program a transponder key, but it is recommended to ask your car 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 could be able to offer you the most competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key will work with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your car keys replacement near me.

It is essential that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very 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 can avoid getting locked out if you misplace your key while you're at work or doing for errands.

If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store will not be able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to mill the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle without needing to pay to have it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car however, your car likely has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.

Getting your car key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that has the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement car key cost aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that's the same year, model and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.